To grab a seat, patrons needed to have a document proving that they’ve been vaccinated, tested negative or recently recovered from Covid-19.
READ MORE: How Austria celebrated dining out after a six-month lockdown
A man has his vaccination details checked at the entry to a beer garden in Vienna, Austria. Photo: HELMUT FOHRINGER / APA / AFP
Along with eateries, the Alpine EU member also opened hotels, sports, leisure and cultural venues including the renowned Vienna State Opera.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz alongside Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler at the Schweizerhaus beer garden in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP
“It feels strange after so many months,” said 46-year-old Christoph Neubauer, an insurance broker enjoying a coffee with a colleague in the historic Cafe Central in downtown Vienna.
Advertisement
“But I really look forward to tonight, because I have a reservation for a restaurant, and I expect it to be busy,” he told AFP.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz waves to gastronomy workers on the first day back at work after a six month lockdown. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP
Many restaurants reported being fully booked, especially as new regulations limit the number of people per table to four indoors, with a mandatory minimum distance of two metres (6.6 feet) between groups.
EXPLAINED: What are Austria’s new coronavirus measures?
A third of Austria’s nine million people have been vaccinated so far. The country has recorded some 10,500 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Tourism Minister Elisabeth Koestinger, Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler and the secretary for culture Andrea Mayer have lunch in the garden of Schweizerhouse (Swiss house) restaurant at Prater amusement park in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz partially obscured by some delicious beer on the first day of lockdown relaxations in Vienna. Photo: JOE KLAMAR / AFP
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz takes a selfie or two with gastronomy workers on the first day back at work after a six month lockdown. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.