Restaurant Workers and Hosts Demand the Right to Work: Protest Outside Government

Owners, employees, singers, musicians, hosts, and event planners from restaurant complexes and halls are staging a protest near the Government building. They are appealing to RA Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan to allow them to resume their activities while adhering to safety regulations.

One of the protest participants, who identified as a host, emphasized that Armenia should not be compared to other countries where similar sectors are inactive. He stated, "No other country conducts weddings with 200 guests or sends off soldiers with drums and zurna." He clarified that this gathering is not just a protest; rather, they have come to express their concerns to the government. "We are curious about when the restaurants will reopen and when we will start working again. Even hosting events for 20 people, a restaurant cannot cover its ventilation expenses. It is better to remain closed than to open and then shut down again."

The police gave the protest participants five minutes to disperse, warning that they might face detention. Ultimately, it was decided that three representatives would present their issues, while the others left the area.