Shopping centres open for New Year in Georgia

Shopping centres will be open between December 24 and January 2, then they will close again until January 31, 2021. Photo: RFE/RL.

Agenda.ge, 24 Dec 2020 - 12:36, Tbilisi,Georgia

Shopping centres have opened around the country at 07:00 in the morning for the New Year holiday. 

They will remain open until January 3, 2021. 

There were queues of cars to big shopping malls of Tbilisi early in the morning. 

The government of Georgia said earlier this week that several coronavirus restrictions which were scheduled to be lifted between December 24 and January 2 would remain in force to prevent the further spread in new infections. 

Coronavirus restrictions are expected to be in force until January 31, 2021. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

The government allowed shopping centres to receive consumers, however additional restrictions have been imposed for shop administrations. 

  • shops will work between 07:00:19:00
  • only one customer per every 20 square meters of space in a store will be allowed in 
  • store administration must manage queues both outside and inside the shops
  • sales must be announced in the morning or for items available via online shopping only
  • the return or exchange of items will be available for one month
  • Food facilities will not be able to work in shopping malls, not even for takeaway service.  

Curfew will be temporarily lifted on December 31 and January 6 (for New Year and Christmas). Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

Per the government decision restaurants in hotels will work until 21:00 (between December 24 and January 2). After 21:00 only room service will be available (to prevent the conduct of New Year events, concerts). 

Restaurants and food facilities will continue only takeaway services. 

An effective curfew will be in force between the hours of 21:00 and 05:00. The restriction will be temporarily lifted on December 31 and January 6 (for New Year and Christmas). 

Travel by car and taxi will not be restricted around the country, taking curfew into account.