Vice-chairman of HCM City People's Committee Duong Anh Duc inspected local restaurants on February 18.
A restaurant owner on Ngo Thi Thu Minh Street said she was aware of the rule but "didn't know it would be so crowded". Many customers were asked to leave. Another owner on Hoang Sa Street tried to reason that he thought the rule meant no more than 30 people at the same table.
A restaurant on Le Quang Dinh Street was serving 60 people and flouting safe distancing rule when being inspected. 20 minutes later, over 20 customers were given take-aways and asked to leave. "It's our opening day so it's a bit crowded," said the owner Nguyen Kim Tiep.
According to the Ward 1 People's Committee, restaurants that violate the regulations for a second time would have their business license revoked.
"The city still creates favourable conditions for businesses to help the citizens maintain their livelihoods. But public awareness must be raised and violators must be strictly punished," the official said. "The irregular inspection will help the authorities understand more about the situation and difficulties of the people."
In regards to other services, Duc said businesses would be reopened depending on the situation. However, the situation at the moment is still sensitive as many people from different provinces have returned to HCM City after Tet. If everything goes smoothly, schools will reopen in March.
HCM City suspended all culture, sports and entertainment services from February 9. Restaurants must not serve more than 30 people at the same time and ensure that customers stay at least one metre apart.
