Libertarian opposition leader Japaridze fined for opening night bar, violating coronavirus-related restrictions
Zurab Japaridze opened his bar in downtown Tbilisi yesterday despite the curfew. Photo: Zurab Girchi Japaridze/Facebook
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Opposition politician Zurab Japaridze, one of the founders of the libertarian Girchi party, has been fined for violating coronavirus regulations.
The labour inspection department of the Health Ministry fined Japaridze 2000 GEL for running a bar at 45 Aghmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi against state-imposed restrictions aimed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Japaridze announced in his Facebook livestream on the eve of February 13 that his bar aimed to deliberately violate the restrictions imposed by the Georgian government.
Japaridze has recently launched the More Freedom-Girchi party, following controversies with several fellow party members. Photo: IPN
He also said before he got fined yesterday that if his bar would manage to operate without restrictions, this would encourage other businesses to follow his example and reopen.
Everyone who is sick of being in a cage like a hamster is welcome [to the bar]”, the invitation to the event reads.
The labour inspection has warned Japaridze that if his bar continues to operate it will be closed down for carrying out illegal economic activities amid the pandemic. 
However, Japaridze refuses to close down his bar and plans to appeal against the decision. Photo: IPN
The labour inspection has meanwhile fined two individuals (2000 GEL each) and a legal entity (10,000 GEL) for the similar violations yesterday.
All food facilities, including restaurants will be able to provide their service only in open areas from tomorrow amid the decrease in daily infections.
Although food facilities (except delivery service) will not work on the weekend.
Zurab Japaridze, one of the founders of the libertarian Girchi party, has launched the More Freedom-Girchi party, following controversies with several fellow party members. Japaridze said yesterday that the new party will differ from the previous party a lot.
Fitness club Reformer Fitness in Batumi has been closed by police and fined 10,000 GEL after it was rented out by libertarian Girchi party leader Zurab Japaridze, who offered the public to use the facility – what Japaridze called his ‘home’ – despite the coronavirus regulations forbidding the functioning of gyms.
A total of 2,738 businesses have been warned, 2,309 have been closed down, while two others have been fined for violating coronavirus-related regulations in Georgia. Recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions entered into force on November 28, restricting the activities of numerous businesses, including hospitality, fitness and spas.
A total of four night clubs located in Batumi - Soho, Sector 26, Conte bar and UP2U - have been closed down and fined for violating coronavirus-related safety norms. Only Iveria Beach club has satisfied the coronavirus-related requirements of safety.