Rutte: also affected night catering must adhere to the rules

Prime Minister Mark Rutte “totally understands the desperation” felt by entrepreneurs of nightclubs and discotheques that are not yet allowed to open. Still, he believes that everyone should adhere to the rules and he expects that too, he said following the announcement by the night catering industry to open its doors this weekend in protest.

Rutte said during his weekly press conference that it is up to the mayors to act against the entrepreneurs involved and he is also fully confident that they will do so. “They have also said that enforcement will be enforced and fines will also be imposed where necessary.”

Also in view of the upcoming relaxations that will be announced on Tuesday, Rutte thinks it is reasonable to still tell the night catering industry to remain closed in the meantime. “I understand that it is difficult and there are tensions. But there are a number of restrictions on freedom, for a reason. We are dealing with a very serious crisis in our public health. Fortunately, we see that the figures are developing favorably.”

Rutte acknowledges that the night catering industry has had the hardest time and has been closed the longest. However, it should not be an excuse to open earlier now. The catering industry is currently allowed to be open until 10 p.m. The cabinet wants to decide on Tuesday that the catering industry can open until 01:00. But that is not a solution for discotheques and nightclubs, according to the sector.