All restaurants and cafés in Qatar can now accept takeaway orders once again. This is after the decision made by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) to ease the restrictions on the activities of food outlets during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The suspension of receiving takeaways requests from customers was previously implemented in line with the country's precautionary measures to curb the virus spread. Now it is being lifted to address the establishments' need to cater to more customers.

The establishments can now continue to of deliver or handle over orders to customers outside their business places. However, all restaurants and cafés located in the malls are exempted from this decision and are only allowed to process delivery orders.

However, F&B business owners are required to fully comply with the policies of the  Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Health regarding the measures that should be taken in the workplace and staff housing, to ensure the safety of their employees and contain the virus spread..

The Minstry issues a circular on easing restrictions on the activities of restaurants and cafés (coffee shops) #Qatar #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/2bZ5PmM0Yb

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) May 12, 2020

According to the Ministry, any violation or breach of what is stated in the above decision will subject perpetrators to legal accountability, and the competent authority should ensure its implementation and apply its provisions.

This decision was issued yesterday, May 12, 2020, and may be subject to amendments and updates according to the latest developments in this regard.

The public is urged to report any violations of these decisions via the number 16001 or email: infomoci.gov.qa. They can also reach out to the Ministry through its official social media channels.

For any queries, or concerns related to Covid-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.