WILLEMSTAD - The association of restaurants (CRA) is upset about the adherence to the curfew from 11 p.m. While restaurants and bars in hotels are allowed to stay open longer, other restaurants still have to close at 10 p.m. That was announced during a government press conference.
The CRA has previously argued for a later curfew time to start at 12 instead of 11 p.m. "This will allow restaurants to continue entertaining guests until 10:00 p.m., generating some much-needed revenue," said CRA.
The CRA has long been drawing attention to the dire situation of many restaurants on Curaçao since Covid-19. The lockdown and the lack of tourists have been putting financial pressure on hospitality business since March. The NOW scheme allows staff members to be (partially) paid, but turnover is still declining, and many restaurants are struggling to keep their heads above water.
The CRA emphasizes that the restaurant sector is struggling and cannot survive in this way. Bankruptcies are threatening and many people will end up on the street, according to the CRA. The sector asks for financial support and compensation for fixed costs, but also for understanding for the difficult situation in the hospitality industry.
