Restaurant association signals opposition to restoring ‘Green Pass’

Restaurant owners are expressing opposition to reported Health Ministry plans to seek the reimposition of the “Green Pass,” which limits attendance at various venues to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from it or who undergo a coronavirus test.

“Businesses with small capacity cannot implement the restrictions of the Green Pass,” Shai Berman, head of the Israel Restaurants and Bars Association, tells Channel 12 news.

He notes that despite rising infection numbers, serious cases remain well below levels in past outbreaks.

“In the present morbidity situation and in light of the fact that many Israelis are remaining here this summer, it will be very difficult to secure cooperation from the public for applying the Green Pass that will keep away children from entertainment venues,” Berman argues.

He also asserts that rapid tests are unworkable at eateries.

The network also quotes unnamed sources in the restaurant industry saying they will oppose reintroducing the Green Pass at small businesses and that they will only agree to rapid testing for indoor dining at establishments with over 100 people.