Alcohol, Covid-19, Estonia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Under the regulation of the government, the suspension of the right to sell alcohol remains in effect nationwide at venues where the retail sale of alcohol is permitted for consumption on the spot, such as restaurants, bars and nightclubs, spokespeople for the government said on Tuesday.

The ban is in effect from midnight till 10:00 a.m.

The prohibition is not valid on board aircraft used for international passenger services and at sales venues in the security area of the passenger terminal of an international airport or in the waiting area of an international port located on the other side of boarding gates.

The ban also does not apply to consumption of alcohol at accommodation establishments from minibars and during breakfast.

In imposing restrictions on the late-night sales of alcohol, the government relies on the positions of the Health Board and the government's scientific advisory council.

A country-wide ban on the late-night sale of alcohol took effect in Estonia on Sept. 25, and has been previously extended by one month until Nov. 24. The government reassesses the need for the ban at least ten days before the ban's expiration. 

The government said additional restrictions are necessary because the spread of coronavirus in Estonia is epidemic in nature and the infection can be contracted everywhere. According to data from the Health Board for Nov. 17, 186 more people tested positive for coronavirus during the past 24 hours and the infection rate per 100,000 inhabitants for the past 14 days is 218. By comparison, the same indicator stood at 43 on Oct. 14, at 22.8 on Sept. 12 and at four on Aug. 1.