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The industry cannot risk a reversal of its hard-earned gains. (Photo by Jens Kalaene / Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
- Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has called on restaurants to comply with safety standards for the good of the sector.
- This follows numerous complaints, the minister said.
- Meanwhile, the SA Restaurant Association has warned that it will report non-compliant restaurants.
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane wrote letters to restaurants on Tuesday insisting on their cooperation with Covid-19 safety regulations after pointing out, with concern, some incidents of non-compliance.
The minister warned in a statement that non-compliance endangered the recovery of the entire sector.
“The sector cannot risk reversing any of our hard-won achievements, as this will have a devastating impact on the recovery of the sector,” it warned in a statement.
His department has received numerous complaints from consumers, other operators, and employees about the situation at certain restaurants, including that they operate outside of curfew, offer alcohol to go, and do not adhere to social distancing or wearing masks as required by law.
“This not only puts the licenses of these companies at risk, but also jeopardizes the safety of their clients and dedicated workers,” the minister warned.
‘We have worked so hard’
In a speech to members, the SA Restaurant Association also cautioned that it had become apparent that several restaurant owners believe that current regulations do not apply to them.
“We have worked so hard to open up our sector and it has caused a lot of distress due to restrictions and the total closure of our beautiful restaurants … It is considering imposing stricter protocols or even going back to off-site consumption and even closing the sector restoration, “said the association.
“It is unthinkable that because a few operators do not follow the rules, the entire industry could suffer again. As unfortunate as it is, we must therefore encourage the reporting of non-compliant restaurants so that we can save the industry. as a whole. . “
“As the hospitality industry turns a corner on the road to recovery, technology will be critical to protecting both travelers and workers,” says Alex Alt, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Hospitality.
“Safety remains rightly the top priority for consumers when considering travel, and the hotel industry is doubling down on technology to facilitate social distancing and reduce face-to-face interaction for the protection of guests.”
