No COVID pass on the terrace, but a QR code to use the restroom and pay?!
We previously wrote about the upcoming COVID measures, in which the term ‘covert compulsory vaccination’ had already been mentioned. Many hospitality business owners are not amused about the upcoming ‘relaxations’ and have absolutely no desire to play police, let alone turn people away in an industry known for its hospitality. You can currently visit a terrace without a pass, but then you’ll just have to use the restroom at home. Huh?
It’s really true: soon you’ll be able to enjoy a drink on a terrace without a COVID pass. A majority of the House of Representatives voted in favor of using access passes in places including the hospitality sector, but considered checking them on terraces a step too far. To me, checking them—which I’m not in favor of anyway—seems completely unnecessary outdoors; if we’re sitting outside, the virus spreads much less quickly, right?
Such an outdoor terrace may not be covered and must be open on at least three sides. And don’t celebrate too soon, because if you do want to go inside, for example because you need to use the restroom after your drink, you still have to show a QR code.
Enforcement, how lovely!
€45 million will be made available for enforcement. To me, that sounds like a great amount to spend on healthcare instead, but with this money municipalities can hire security guards to check whether hospitality establishments are actually checking their guests for a valid access pass. Oh, how lovely this sounds. Without a QR code, you’ll still be able to get onto the terrace, with a wonderful view of security guards who will stop you at the door when you need to use the restroom.
Now all we can do is hope for a dry autumn and mild winter, so that those terraces can actually be visited. Perhaps heaters won’t be allowed either, because they might keep virus particles suspended in the air. Santé!
Read also:
- Hospitality: talking is over, now it’s time for action
- CBS calculates: actually more new hospitality businesses during the COVID era
- Be kind to the hospitality industry and don’t do this when dining out
Source: Misset Horeca
