A maximum of eight people may gather

The proposal provides that the police may cancel or disperse a public meeting or assembly with more than 8 participants. Anyone who organises an event in violation of the ban may face a fine or prison sentence of up to six months.

Previously, a 50-person limit for public assemblies was in effect, but now the government is proposing a further restriction. The motivation is to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease covid-19.

The former exemption for gatherings and events held at restaurants will be removed.

Public gatherings include:

• gatherings that constitute demonstrations or which are otherwise held for discussion, expression of opinion or providing information on public or private matters;
• lectures and speeches held for the purposes of teaching or for public or civic education;
• gatherings for religious practice;
• theatrical and cinema performances, concerts and other gatherings for the performance of artistic work, and
• other gatherings at which freedom of assembly is exercised.

Public events include:

• competitions and exhibitions in sports and aviation;
• dance performances;
• fairground amusements and parades;
• markets and fairs, and
• other events not regarded as public gatherings or circus performances.
• Schools, public transport, private events and visits to shops are excluded.