Raise a pivo in protest: Czech pub owners to make beer-mug chain from Malá Strana to Old Town Square

Owners and operators of Czech pubs plan to protest coronavirus restrictions by lining up half-liter mugs and candles stretching from the Government Office in Malá Strana to Old Town Square.

Jiří Janeček, who owns the Malý Janek restaurant in Jince, Central Bohemia, is organizing the Jan. 3 protest. Similar events should also take place in more towns and cities in addition to Prague.

Janeček is a member of the Chcípl PES (Snuff the PES) initiative, a group that opposes government restrictions on pubs and restaurants meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. The groups’ logo is a dog with crosses for eyes and its tongue hanging out. PES is the acronym for the Czech government’s five-level pandemic regulation system and also the Czech word for dog.

The Czech Republic is currently in the fourth level of the PES system, which only allows take away or delivery from restaurants. The level dropping down again depends on the spread of coronavirus slowing down.

Creating “paths of hope” in Czech cities and towns should be the last peaceful warning, Janeček said. He wants to show the government that there are more entrepreneurs and self-employed people affected by anti-epidemic measures than cabinet officials think.

Many pubs and restaurants rely heavily on the holiday season for income from parties and holiday events. With restaurants closed, all this potential profit will be lost.

Some pubs and restaurateurs that have joined Chcípl PES refused to close at the set time of 8 p.m. when the country was still under the third level of the PES system.

Janeček has invited political party representatives to his restaurant to see the impact of coronavirus measures and discuss the current situation with him. “Politicians do not realize what they will cause terrible tragedies,” he said.