People working in the restaurant industry were protesting in front of the government building. They were demanding that a public discussion be held with representatives of the industry so that their problems can be brought to light. There were many people at the protest, but the protesters were trying to uphold social distancing.
The protestors were saying that the State of Emergency Command’s decision to prohibit more than 5 people being in a closed space is hurting the restaurant business. “Opening a restaurant for 20 people won’t even cover our air conditioning costs. It’s better for restaurants to remain closed because they will get no profit this way. It’s not beneficial for anyone.” According to another protester, “Ten people are allowed per every 20 square meters. Let’s say the restaurant is 200 square meters, so 60-70 people can go there. But 4-5 people can be at every table. So why is the government saying that events cannot take place where there are more than 5 people? This doesn’t make sense.”
The protesters were saying that the State of Emergency Command needs to be clear about when restaurants will be allowed to operate in full so that employees, including waiters, musicians, hosts, and chefs can figure out their next steps.
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Actor Sargis Grigoryan, who was also participating in the protest, said, “They’re saying that the virus will last a long time, but our work is seasonal. If we don’t work this season, we will have lots of issues. What are we supposed to do if we can’t work?” According to Grigoryan, he received 68,000 AMD in government benefits, but he said he doesn’t know how he will live with such little money and three children.
The protesters approached the police and were informed that three of them could go to the government for a meeting, but the rest of the protesters needed to leave. Otherwise, it would be seen as a violation of the law. Four protesters were allowed to enter the government building to discuss the issue.
The police took one of the protesters away in a police car, most likely to take them into custody. Sargis Grigoryan was also taken into custody as the police claimed that he did not follow their legal demands that protests are not allowed during the State of Emergency and they did not uphold social distancing. According to the police, those who were taken into custody will be released in a few hours as the law demands.
Bright Armenia deputies Ani Samsonyan and Gevorg Gorgisyan were also by the government building and they listened to the demands of the protesters. Samsonyan told reporters that it does not make sense to open all other businesses except restaurants.
The protesters left the government building and said that they will present their demands soon.
Nelly Babayan
