Key takeaways:
- Businesses in Manitoba have expressed exhaustion, uncertainty, and disappointment due to yet another round of COVID-19 restrictions.
- This is the fourth time capacity restrictions have been imposed on the restaurant industry ahead of a major holiday.
Manitoba businesses dealing with another round of COVID-19 restrictions have expressed exhaustion, uncertainty, and disappointment.
Starting Tuesday, restaurants must reduce their capacity to 50%, with a maximum of ten people per table and seated service only.
“There’s always something,” says the narrator. I turn on the television and wonder, “How am I going to be affected today?” According to Tony Siwicki, owner of Silver Heights Restaurant,
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Since the news broke on Friday, Siwicki claims that he’s lost nearly 300 customers’ reservations.
“This is the worst time these restrictions have ever been imposed on us,” he says. “All of the parties have canceled as a result of the restrictions.” The phone calls are like clockwork.”
According to Shaun Jeffery, executive director of Manitoba’s Restaurant and Food Services Association, the holiday season is critical for restaurant owners.
“With restaurants still reeling from the pandemic, these are crucial times for business survival,” Jeffery says.
Siwicki claims that his holiday food order arrived on Friday afternoon. The new restrictions were revealed a few hours later.
“All of the food has been ordered, as well as all of the preparation, menu planning, staffing, the DJ, karaoke, and Santa Claus.” All of the extra desserts that we need to prepare and buy, as well as the extra tablecloths and linens….all it’s here, and it’s all useless now.”
This is the fourth time capacity restrictions have been imposed on the restaurant industry ahead of a major holiday.
“We’re short on both details and reasons.” We understand and expect something to happen across the board, given what other provinces have done, but we’re very disappointed that our industry appears to be singled out,” Jeffery said.
Other businesses’ new 50% capacity limit includes gyms, movie theatres, and sporting events. Swicki wonders why restaurants were lumped together.
“It paints a picture, and it’s not a happy one.” “People are afraid to go back to restaurants,” Siwicki said.
“Other industries, such as malls and big-box stores, are staying open a week before Christmas.” “It’s extremely aggravating for restaurant owners who are just trying to make their next rent payment,” Jeffery said.
“I understand why they’re doing it; with all the cases out west and east, I completely understand why they’re doing it.” But you’re going after the wrong industry, in my opinion,” Siwicki says.
As the cancellations continue, he’s left with extra food in his refrigerator. According to the province, he and the rest of Manitoba are waiting for the rules to be reevaluated on January 11th.
Source: Global News
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