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Such scenes will be available again from May 11: the guests are sitting in a garden pub on Zurich’s Idaplatz. image: keystone
The spots open again: hosts are happy, health managers fear second wave
Crown lock is partially canceled for hosts. Heidi Hanselmann, president of the directors of health, does not think that it is a good idea.
On May 11, restaurants can reopen if they meet certain hygiene rules. A maximum of four people can sit per table. Parents with children may exceed these limits. The bars and pubs are also open again. However, the guests have to take a seat. Health Minister Alain Berset (SP) said in Bern on Wednesday: «On May 11, we are taking a big step towards normality. But this step requires patience, caution and discipline.
With this easing, which now comes faster than previously announced, the Federal Council meets with the approximately 20,000 restaurants in Switzerland that, according to Berset, “face existential problems.” The hosts are happy. “I am relieved,” says Gastro Suisse president Casimir Platzer. “It is more than we expected.” The restaurateurs expected only two people to be allowed per table.
Federal Council criticisms of the answering machine
The owner Ruedi Stöckli is happy and does not make the summer holidays. image: lzm
On Wednesday morning, until Wednesday morning, you could still hear how loudly the innkeepers of this pass on the answering machine of the rural inn Strauss in Meierskappel LU: “Unfortunately, the Federal Council continues to dictate that we have closed the restaurant”. Now the owner Ruedi Stöckli is eager to open the terrace of his garden. Joy is clouded by the restrictions that still apply.
Banquets on occasions such as birthdays or confirmations are not yet possible. Stöckli, who heads the Lucerne Catering Association, will now leave without the company’s summer vacation and keep the restaurant open. “We owe it to our guests,” he says. You have adjusted your staffing plans and will continue to register for some short-term job. As the Minister for Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin (SVP) said in Bern, this is still possible despite the partial opening.
Bars now serve cocktails at the table
Zurich-based restaurant entrepreneur Koni Frei is also relieved by the Federal Council decision. He is involved in various bars and cafes in the Langstrasse district of Zurich.
Koni Frei is a partner of bars and restaurants in the Langstrasse district of Zurich. He is concerned about small shops. photo: mario heller / SON
At the “Sport” bar, guests have so far had their beer or gin and tonic at the counter and drank their espresso while standing. Frei and his partners now have to set up more tables to comply with federal regulations. “We open, also as a sign for our regular guests,” says Frei. But it is important to him that not all problems are believed to have been resolved. “Rents are still a big problem, especially for smaller companies. The bars can now generate a quarter of their sales, but they have to pay the full rent, “says Frei. Assume that some small businesses will be victims of the crown crisis.
Owners reach 90 percent of owner requests
The Federal Council recommended that restaurateurs find a solution with the owners. So far, however, managers have had little success. “I know from our members that this did not work in 90 percent of the cases. And even in the ten percent where there were reductions, they are very modest, “says Gastrosuisse president Casimir Platzer. He is now betting on Parliament having a special session next week.
Travail-Suisse trade union organization welcomes relaxation in the catering sector. In his statement, Travail-Suisse advocates not depending solely on the personal responsibility of employers. “Intensive official controls will be necessary, especially to relieve hotel industry employees of unrealistic tasks for the health police,” says Travail Suisse President Adrian Wüthrich. When specifying the concept of protection, employees must also be included.
Health managers go too far with relaxation
Although there is a rare agreement between business associations, an interdiction is heard from the cantonal health directors.
Heidi Hanselmann, President of the Conference of Health Directors, fears a second wave if it is loosening too soon and too fast. Image: KEYSTONE
Heidi Hanselmann (SP), President of the Conference of Health Directors and President of St. Gallen, would have preferred a more careful opening. Upon request, she says: “The fact that four of us are allowed to sit at the table on May 11 is critical. Two would have been a middle ground.
She expresses her understanding for the hosts, who are under high financial pressure, but fears that the infections will increase again. This could create the breeding ground for a second wave. “The price of a hasty approach would weigh much more,” says Hanselmann. “We should not lightly reveal what we have successfully accomplished for weeks with painful limitations.”
It is now more important to consistently adhere to hygiene and cleanliness measures. According to Hanselmann, controls in restaurants are also necessary for this.
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