Restaurants wait with bated breath to reopen
The restaurant industry says it’s waiting with bated breath for the government to confirm a date for the industry to reopen.
Last week President Cyril Ramaphosa gave certain industries the green light to get back into action, including restaurants, personal care, theatres, and cinemas.
Government gazetted regulations for the personal care industry on Friday, which allowed it to reopen, but remains mum on the rest.
Restaurant Association CEO Wendy Alberts says the wait is weighing the industry down.
“Everyday that we leave it and we don’t get the regulations another restaurant falls. I think it is completely irresponsible not to have passed these regulations.”
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Liquor stores were shuttered at the start of the national lockdown on March 27 to limit the spread of COVID-19, and reduce pressure on busy emergency wards. The controversial booze ban was lifted on June 1st as part of a gradual easing of confinement measures to limit the economic setbacks of the pandemic.
She adds that government needs to act fast to avoid any further damage to the industry.
“They advised that they are working around the clock to conclude the regulations but that was already on Friday.
“Every single restaurant is sitting on tender hooks waiting for the regulations to be passed.”