Restaurants and cafes, except those in malls, can resume providing takeaway services to customers, besides continuing to offer home delivery services, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced on Tuesday.
However, restaurants and cafes in malls are allowed to offer home delivery services only, according to Circular No. 22 of 2020 on "easing restrictions on the activities of restaurants and cafés (coffee shops)" issued by the MoCI.
"In line with the previously adopted decisions and measures to prevent and limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), and in order to protect the health and safety of citizens and residents, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Circular No 22 of 2020 on easing restrictions on the activities of restaurants and cafés (coffee shops)," the MoCI said in a press statement on Tuesday.
Restaurants and cafés (coffee shops) have been allowed to "resume the activity of delivering or handing over orders to customers outside the business place", it noted.
The ministry said restaurants and cafés located in malls are "exempted from this decision and are allowed to only process delivery orders". These outlets are prohibited from handing over orders to customers both within and outside the workplace.
The MoCI noted that in line with the circular, all restaurants and cafés shall "fully comply with the policies of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Health regarding the measures that should be taken in the workplace and staff housing, in order to protect employees and limit the spread of the coronavirus".
The ministry warned that any violation or breach of what is stated in the above decision will subject perpetrators to legal accountability, and the competent authority should ensure its implementation and apply its provisions.
The MoCI stressed that it will intensify its inspection campaigns to ensure the compliance of concerned parties with their obligations in line with this decision and to crack down on any violations in this regard.
This decision, which was issued on Tuesday, may be subject to amendments and updates according to the latest developments in this regard.
Further, the ministry has called on all citizens and residents to seek information only from official sources and consult its website and social media pages for the latest news and updates.
The MoCI has urged consumers to report violations or infringements, complaints and suggestions through the call centre: 16001, email: [email protected], Twitter: MOCIQATAR; Instagram: MOCIQATAR, and the ministry’s application on iPhone and Android devices: MOCIQATAR