If you’re still not sure about the benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, then we highly suggest you read on…

Earlier today, Health Minister Chris Fearne announced that bars and restaurants that will be limiting entry to vaccinated customers will get to enjoy looser restrictive measures.

So it’s safe to say that if you’re vaccinated, you’ll soon be able to enjoy nights out with very few restrictions!

For starters, such establishments will be able to lessen the distance between outside tables from two metres to one metre and between inside tables from two metres to one-and-a-half metres.

Apart from that, bars and restaurants limiting access to vaccinated patrons will be able to stay open until 3am instead of 2am, provided that their permit allows them to do so.

Patrons at these establishments will be able to sit at tables of eight instead of six. These spots will also be allowed to increase their music’s volume to 80db and offer controlled bar service.

Bars, restaurants, and kazini wishing to benefit from looser measures will need to apply with the authorities from this week. Once their applications have been accepted, establishments can operate under reduced measures as of next week.

The Health Minister noted that establishments looking to operate under reduced measures must also have fully-vaccinated staff.

Patrons attending these establishments will need to present a valid COVID-19 vaccine certificate upon entry. Children under 12 years old will be exempt from this.

Minister Fearne warned establishments that regular checks will be conducted by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Environmental Health Directorate to ensure that measures are being obeyed.

These new measures will come into effect at the weekend starting 9th October.

Detailed protocols for this initiative will be published in the coming weeks.