Casablanca : Restaurant customers fined for not wearing face masks

On social media, several people reported that they have been approached by the police in a Casablanca restaurant for not wearing a mask while eating.

A Facebook post shared by Majid B. reported that he was «eating» with his wife, Thursday, at the Cabestan restaurant in Casablanca when police officers asked for their IDs and then fined them for not wearing face masks.

«I am writing this message while I am being harassed», he added, reporting that he and his wife were fined 600 dirhams.

The Moroccan explained that he had «food and drinks» on the table when approached by the police. «The police took the IDs of about thirty people, including a pregnant woman», he added.

His wife reportedly told the police that they were «eating» and that is why they were not putting the face masks on. «He replied : you had finished eating, I saw you», the man recalled.

Internet users said «a similar situation occurred at Café Californie Smile Casablanca» a few days ago. «The policemen asked people to wear face masks inside», an internet user commented.

«Seven policemen entered. They even searched the toilets. We thought it was a drug thing or a problem with the owner. Afterwards, they started fining people without explaining why. We understood later that it was about the masks», an internet user explained.

Contacted by Yabiladi on Friday, the Casablanca police department said it is aware of the testimonies, adding that the response will come via a press release from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).