Covid-19 vaccine latest: Restaurants demand vaccine roll-out

Restaurants have demanded that the government immediately roll out the Covid-19 vaccine to its staff so that businesses can operate without further threat of closure.

Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts said in a statement on Friday that the industry was demanding the immediate roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine.

“There is a disregard to understanding our business models, financial applications and the needs of our operational conditions and our requests for government to support our industry are ignored,” Alberts said.

 “As we now move into our most difficult trading months in restaurants, we cannot carry additional debt when we are already prejudiced in the trading our restaurants and losing out on any potential in our operations,” she said.

She said the industry was demanding that the government speak to it regarding its plight and innovations, such as the roadhouse concept, which would allow restaurants to improve business. She said the industry also could not survive without alcohol sales being allowed and called upon the government not to extend the alcohol ban.

 “We are logging more restaurant closures to the list daily, a list that nearly extends past one thousand restaurants, while we watch the illicit trade destroying jobs and businesses. Rogue operators display disregard for the law and enforcement simply doesn’t ensure compliance by means of arrests. The uncontrolled spaces display a disregard of the protocols as set by the president and once again this affects the increased transmissions impacting our industry and prejudicing us from operating,” Alberts said.

She said patrons were also calling for restaurants to be reopened.

“South Africa is calling to reopen restaurants and surveys indicate the public feel they are safe eating in our establishments,” Alberts said.

Restaurants have demanded that the government immediately roll out the Covid-19 vaccine to its staff so that businesses can operate without further threat of closure.

Restaurant Association of South Africa CEO Wendy Alberts said in a statement on Friday that the industry was demanding the immediate roll out of the vaccine.

“There is a disregard to understanding our business models, financial applications and the needs of our operational conditions and our requests for government to support our industry are ignored,” Alberts said.

 “As we now move into our most difficult trading months in restaurants, we cannot carry additional debt when we are already prejudiced in the trading our restaurants and losing out on any potential in our operations,” she said.

She said the industry was demanding that the government speak to it regarding its plight and innovations, such as the roadhouse concept, which would allow restaurants to improve business. She said the industry also could not survive without alcohol sales being allowed and called upon the government not to extend the alcohol ban.

 “We are logging more restaurant closures to the list daily, a list that nearly extends past one thousand restaurants, while we watch the illicit trade destroying jobs and businesses. Rogue operators display disregard for the law and enforcement simply doesn’t ensure compliance by means of arrests. The uncontrolled spaces display a disregard of the protocols as set by the president and once again this affects the increased transmissions impacting our industry and prejudicing us from operating,” Alberts said.

She said patrons were also calling for restaurants to be reopened.

“South Africa is calling to reopen restaurants and surveys indicate the public feel they are safe eating in our establishments,” Alberts said.

“We assure Government that we are always respected business owners, tax payers, employers and have always displayed respect and are committed to adhering to the regulations and most importantly keeping our customers and staff safe at all times,” she said.