VERY GOOD NEWS! Restaurants may be able to open from mid-December
Will the hospitality industry be allowed to open at Christmas or not? It is a question that is causing tempers to flare. It seemed that we would all have to cook at home this year, but now there is finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Could it really happen after all?
Michelin-starred chef Ron Blaauw made an appeal on his Instagram a few days ago to Minister Hugo de Jonge: let us know as soon as possible whether restaurants can operate as usual at Christmas. ‘I think I know what the outcome will be, namely that we will not reopen until 7 January, but only announcing this in mid-December creates a great deal of uncertainty for the hospitality industry.’ Ron assumes that the government made the decision about reopening the hospitality industry long ago, but has not yet announced it. But now there is suddenly an unexpected turn of events, just as Ron Blaauw and other chefs have announced that they will close their establishments at Christmas.
From 25 to the whole of the Netherlands
It may be possible for all restaurants to open their doors from mid-December, albeit with strict coronavirus measures. Initially, an experiment involving the reopening of 25 restaurants was being prepared, but it is now also a serious option to allow all restaurants throughout the Netherlands to open. Sources told RTL Nieuws’ political desk.
The establishments must comply with strict measures, such as face masks for guests, designated routes, perfect ventilation and agreements about closing times and alcohol sales. Notably, the experiment will also examine whether sneeze guards could be a solution: transparent screens that can be placed between different tables – comparable to the perspex screens at the supermarket.
Does not apply to cafés
However, the experiment is ‘not a prerequisite’, says a well-informed source. If restaurants observe the same strict precautionary measures, the experiment can be skipped and all restaurants may be able to reopen. As far as is known, the plans only concern restaurants. “A chic restaurant is something different from a packed party café on Leidseplein”, says a source.
Naturally, the easing of restrictions also depends on how the coronavirus develops in the coming weeks. If the expected decline is disappointing, there is a risk that few relaxations will ultimately be possible. Prime Minister Rutte and Minister De Jonge plan to hold a press conference on 8 December to provide more clarity. Fingers crossed!
Read also:
- Inside story from a hospitality entrepreneur about what it is like to run a restaurant during coronavirus
- Darn it! Cafés and restaurants closed again due to new coronavirus measures
- Red Cross launches food aid during coronavirus
Source: RTL Nieuws
