Estonian govt extends ban on nighttime alcohol sales until May 31

TALLINN – In order to hinder the spread of coronavirus, the Estonian government on Thursday decided to extend the country-wide ban on nighttime sale of alcohol until May 31.

During the new restriction period, alcoholic beverages may not be sold between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. The order establishes a restriction for a new period, because the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease, is still widespread in Estonia and infection is extensive.

Due to the widespread spread of the coronavirus, a health emergency has been established in Estonia on the basis of which inpatient specialist care and general medical care have been reorganized to ensure the availability of healthcare services foremost for coronavirus patients and then for the treatment of other illnesses.

The restrictions are intended to prevent and control the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The need for new restrictions on the right to retail alcoholic beverages arises from the epidemiological situation in Estonia.

Estonia remains at a high level in terms of infection rates compared to other European Union member states. A more contagious strain of coronavirus is currently spreading rapidly, but the risk of spreading new strains, especially the South Africa or Brazil variants, is very high. It can be seen from the above that the spread of the virus is extensive throughout Estonia.

According to the order, the right to the retail sale of alcoholic beverages is suspended at the point of sale, where retail sale of alcohol for on-site consumption is permitted, between 10 p.m. and 10 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 or at breakfast.