Greek bar and nightclub owners fear new restrictions allowing only seated customers will hit business during the vital summer season but say that they accept the rules are needed to contain a surge in Covid-19 infections.

Reuters reports that authorities reimposed curbs on restaurants, nightclubs and bars this week, with effect from July 8. No standing customers will be allowed.

"It is a step back, it will surely influence tourism, but it is deemed necessary so we do not lose the rest of the summer. We will be patient," said Ilias Babatsikos, 27, a beach bar manager at Athens' coastal suburb of Alimos.

"It's a very unfortunate development but we understand why it's happening," said businessman Kosmas Theodoridis, 48, a customer at a bar in Athens. "The essential thing is for everyone to get vaccinated."