GEORGE NEWS - Several restaurants in George and Wilderness have indicated that they will be taking part in the '1 Million Seats on the Streets' peaceful protest tomorrow, Wednesday 22 July, in an outcry against the reinstated liquor ban and curfew.
The protest is an initiative of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa). Rasa has called on all restaurants to carry chairs out into the streets and even block off the streets with their chairs and tables between 12:00 and 14:00 tomorrow.
The industry has been hit hard by the extended lockdown and some restaurants were just making a start again after being permitted to open for sit-down meals, although still functioning under a ban on liquor consumption on their premises.
Since President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on 12 July of the reinstatement of the complete ban on trade in alcohol and a nightly curfew, Rasa has been making a renewed effort to fight for the survival of the industry.
"Without brandy and wine, we can't even make our recipes," says Old Townhouse co-owner Janet Loopstra, who will be part of the demonstration with the support of some wine merchants, customers and small food suppliers.
Blue Olive general manager Dylan Vivier says they have to close their kitchen at 20:00 to be able for their staff to return home before 21:00.
Several restaurants in George and Wilderness have closed down permanently. Some hope to reopen in the summer season.
Read more in Thursday's George Herald and online.
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