Government | Sunday 22 March, 2020 4:33 pm |

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has issued a new circular requiring all restaurants, cafes and other Food and Beverage (F&B) establishments to start using disposable single-use cutlery, tableware, glasses and other related items when serving food. The move is part of the measures being implemented to ensure the safety and security of the community against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

 

ADDED emphasized on the importance of complying with the newly issued circular, urging local F&B establishments to avoid the use of any form of glass cups, tableware, and steel cutlery and to use only the approved disposable items.

 

The circular also covers the requirement of implementing social distancing measures, maintaining a distance of two square meters between customers inside any establishment. These outlets are also being directed to use only 20 per cent of its capacity, in terms of receiving dine-in customers. Owners are advised to exercise strict precautionary measures in regularly sanitizing the kitchen, cooking equipment, seating area and delivery vehicles. 

 

H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, ADDED, explained that the circular falls in line with the directives of the wise leadership to take all the necessary protectionary and preventive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure the safety of the communities. 

 

The ADDED Chairman expressed confidence in the compliance of local F&B outlets as this will protect public health and help overcome the extraordinary situation that the world is currently facing. 

 

Preserving health and safety of citizens, residents and workers at these commercial F&B establishments, the instructions of the circular will come into effect immediately until further notice. ADDED will also be sending inspection teams to conduct inspection visits to ensure the implementation of the precautionary measures. Strict legal action will be taken against facilities violating the circular.