GEORGE NEWS - No complaints have been received of restaurants or pubs flouting Covid-19 regulations in the George area. This is according to the Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) chief executive officer, Wendy Alberts.
Alberts, who has campaigned fervently for the reopening of the restaurant industry which suffered devastating losses as a result of South Africa's extended lockdown, is concerned about some establishments that ignore the Covid-19 protocols.
This could lead to the reinstitution of stricter protocols or reverting to off-site consumption and even the temporary closure of the sector. "It is unthinkable that due to a few operators not following the rules, the entire industry may suffer again," says Alberts.
She asks the public to report non-compliant restaurants "so that we can save the industry as a whole".
In a statement on Tuesday 1 September, National Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said restaurants defying the regulations risk losing their licenses.
Curfew a challenge
The curfew of 22:00 is a challenge to stick to, according to the owner of a popular local restaurant.
Tasha van der Watt of Nina's Café says they have decided to close at 17:00 in the afternoons and open only one evening per week. "We have to close the kitchen at 20:30 so that staff can get into their taxi by 21:30 to be home by 22:00. The police are very strict," she says.
Support local
In an effort to support local business, Garden Route District Mayor Memory Booysen this week invited the public to post a positive video on Facebook or Twitter about the business they visited using the hashtags #myfavouritebusiness and #gardenrouteandme.
George Herald is awaiting information from the Garden Route District Municipality regarding Covid-19 compliance levels by restaurants and pubs in George.
The Western Cape Government and Wesgro launched the 'We Are Open' campaign last week. It highlights the Western Cape's world-class tourism experiences and provides information regarding safe destinations on the website, 'Discover Western Cape'. It includes a 'Kids Stay Free' initiative to encourage families to travel in the province.
Travellers are asked to take a photo at their favourite local attraction, restaurant, museum or outdoor activity and post it on social media using #WeAreOpen.
Lay a complaint
A complaints form - which can be completed anonymously - is available at coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za for those who wish to report a business not complying with Covid-19 regulations.
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