New COVID-19 restrictions frustrating for local bars, concerning for restaurants

“At the clover, we’re Thursday, Friday, Saturday driven,” says McKenzie. “Somewhere between 50 and 75 percent of our business would fall into that category.”

For restaurants, the move by BC Health Officials on Wednesday to make the last call for alcohol before 10 p.m. will affect them differently. President of Downtown PG Eoin Foley points out it may not be in revenue, but instead on customer experience.

“It’s unfortunate, on a Friday or Saturday night someone might want to come in and get a drink or an appy after the dinner rush, instead those folks may decide to come in a little earlier, when we’re already busier” says Foley.

Foley says he’s concerned about condensing customers into a smaller time window in a COVID-19 era where there are strict restrictions for social distancing.

Foley says if it’s not convenient for customers, business will just be driven underground without proper safety protocols instead.

At the Black Clover, another concern was raised by Manager Erin Walker, what about the shift workers?

Walker says it’s frustrating for her too, she says for those who just want to enjoy a drink after work the time limits don’t work in their favour.

“They don’t get off work at a time where it seems feasible for them to come in,” says Walker. “It’s not just us who feel negative about what’s going on, it’s the consumer as well.”

Walker says it’s up to the hospitality industry to try and find a way to accommodate that group of workers and make their experience enjoyable.

by Caden Fanshaw

New COVID-19 restrictions frustrating for local bars, concerning for restaurants

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