Will restaurants and bars survive without the sale of alcohol?
The Scenic Drive chatted to restaurant and bars owners to get an understanding of how the banning of alcohol has impacted their monthly revenue.
A lunch or dinner date with a colleague, friend or family member will always be a special moment - especially if you can have a drink with them. However, the serving of alcohol at restaurants is still prohibited.
On 26 June, Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane gave the restaurant and bar industry the green light to open doors for sit-down meals, however, no alcohol can be served for consumption on-site.
READ: Basetsana Kumalo sends out message of comfort to families of COVID-19 victims
According to Jacaranda FM News, restaurants will have to keep record of the patrons that come through their doors on a daily basis.
Tables must also be at least 1.5 meters apart.
The Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) has welcomed the decision.
READ: Cute moment three-year-old best friends are reunited after months of lockdown
“We personally thank our Minister of Tourism for her tireless efforts to open the restaurants under these favourable conditions,” RASA CEO Wendy Alberts said in a statement.
“We will deal with the liquor issue and attempt to get the liquor restrictions lifted.”
The Scenic Drive chatted to restaurant and bars owners to get an understanding of how the banning of alcohol has impacted their monthly revenue.
"It is really difficult. I have no words. We are currently surviving on the sales of pizza. It covers nothing."
"Alcohol is our main income. After this, I'm not sure how we will survive."
"I'm so grateful for our clients. It's a stressful time."
"It's going bad. It's a bad time. We have been closed since March."
"We opened on the 1st of June, but there is still not enough people."
Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.