IKEA fined the cost of a couch for reopening against health regulations

• Date: 06 December 2020
• Author: CELIA JEAN
• Published date: 06 December 2020
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The store was fined NIS 5,000, Israeli media reported. Inspectors entered the premises and informed customers that they were breaking the law and that there would be enforcement against anyone who decided to stay.

The amount is the average cost of couch on the furniture store's website, with the cost of the couch ranging anywhere from NIS 1,000 to the just above NIS 16,000, with the majority averaging between NIS 3,000 and NIS 8,000.

The reopening is contrary to Health Ministry regulations, but the store has decided to reopen regardless, and has stated that it will maintain regular Health Ministry guidelines for regular businesses approved to open.

"IKEA stores were opened in a limited format and in accordance with Israeli government regulations," IKEA said in a statement. "We will always be careful to maintain the health of our employees and customers according to all guidelines."

The chain furniture store will open in a limited format, operating only the first floor and selling only items labelled as essential, according to Ynet. Essential items include packaged foods, yet the buffet and showroom will remain closed.

The reopening comes after IKEA tried to reopen in early November but was forced to remain closed by the Health Ministry. IKEA tried at the time to only delay their reopening by 24 hours in order to try to...