Estonian capital city imposing restrictions on 10 Old Town bars

Photo: Martin Ilustrumm

Tallinn is to impose economic activity restrictions on 10 bars mainly situated in Suur-Karja Street in the Old Town, and the restrictions include a ban to sell alcohol from Monday to Friday from midnight to 5 a.m. and from Saturday to Sunday from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The restrictions concern Nimeta Bar, Shooters, St. Patrick, Labor, Labor 2, Route 13, Valli Baar, Taco Express, Dubliner and Bayern Bohmen Keller, the Raepress press office of the city government told BNS.

The city government's order includes two different restrictions, spokespeople for the city government said. «Firstly, a restriction imposed on specific bars based on their location where the time of selling alcohol would be banned on nights preceding workdays from midnight to 5 a.m. and on nights preceding weekend days from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.,» Tallinn Vice Mayor Arvo Sarapuu said in a press release.

Secondly, the city would restrict the economic activity of certain persons and an hour later would temporarily partially ban economic activity, for instance offering of an entertainment programme.

At the aforementioned times these establishments have to assure that their economic activity does not disturb residents living nearby.

According to Sarapuu there has long been a problem with the bars due to public order breaches and the city has the obligation to protect the rights of its residents as well as visitors.

The restriction will step into effect in a month an will be in effect until March 20, 2016. During that time the entrepreneurs have an obligation to reorganize their economic activity so that it would not damage the well-being of citizens.