WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Restaurant Association (CRA) is happy with an extra hour in the evening now that the curfew has been moved from 23:00 to 00:00. After weeks of urging the government to adjust the curfew, a change has now been announced.
"A very important hour," says Egon Sybrandy, business director of the CRA. "In these times where sales are under great pressure, this extra hour can make all the difference." Restaurants are now allowed to stay open until 11 PM instead of 10 PM. It is not only a reward for the restaurant owner, but also for the visitor, who can now dine a little longer, according to the business director.
According to CRA, the permission for live music in restaurants is also a major contribution from the government to AMAK and the CRA, which have been arguing for this for some time. Restaurants can generate extra business with live music, which, like the extra hour, is badly needed to survive.
The CRA is also happy for artists who are allowed to perform again, something that has not been possible since March. The responsibility for adhering to the protocol is a challenge, especially during the first days it will have to be tested what exactly 'background music' means.
The CRA says that the statement of Prime Minister Rutte in which he indicates that the Caribbean part of the kingdom is not a foreign country is of great importance. This will generate a large flow of tourists, and thus income for the local catering sector.
In preparation for the high season, the restaurant association now wants to make good agreements with the government to ensure that everything goes well. Sybrandy: "We are all very much looking forward to the high season, but want to make sure that no infections are added or that businesses have to be closed due to abuses".
Clear protocols are being developed to ensure that restaurants can receive the maximum number of guests without breaking any rules. This will be a collaboration between various ministries, inspectorates, the restaurants and beach clubs.