Health Ministry announces restaurant sector reform, eases requirements

July 22, 2026 - 23:28

The Health Ministry has announced a major reform of the restaurant sector, significantly easing long-standing space and layout requirements. Under the new regulations, the minimum floor area needed for a dining establishment has been drastically reduced. This change allows existing restaurants to add more tables by repurposing operational space that was previously mandated by law.

Officials stated the move is designed to boost the hospitality industry, which has faced rising costs and staffing shortages. By relaxing the square-meter rules for kitchens, storage, and service corridors, restaurants can now convert that area into seating. The ministry estimates this could increase the average restaurant's capacity by 10 to 15 percent without requiring any physical expansion of the building.

The reform also simplifies the approval process for new licenses. Instead of submitting detailed architectural blueprints for every minor layout change, operators can now use a standardized checklist. Health inspectors will still enforce hygiene and safety standards, but the focus shifts from rigid dimensions to actual operational cleanliness. Industry groups have praised the reform as a practical step that cuts red tape while keeping public health as a priority. The new rules take effect next month.