WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Restaurant Association (CRA) is pleased that the measures have been eased now that casinos will be allowed to open their doors. According to the CRA, it is therefore expected that indoor restaurants will also be able to open their doors again in the short term.
After the existing COVID-19 measures were extended until January 11, an adjustment has now been made for the casinos. Apparently, there is room for easing after consultation with the sector. For casinos it is stated that guests are allowed to stay in for a maximum of 2 hours. This shows that it is possible for several people to be together in indoor spaces for a longer period of time. The CRA says it does not understand why this should not be allowed at restaurants.
"The restaurants of Curaçao have now had to swallow many measures such as a curfew, truck'i pan (BBQ stands) open during restaurant hours, use of 50 percent of the terrace, a maximum of 50 people and an alcohol ban, so now we want to be met," said CRA.
Since the announcement on November 30, restaurants that only have an indoor space have had a lot of trouble keeping their heads above water. Some have closed their doors because there is no longer any possibility to make money. Understanding for the measure was there because it was to prevent the spread of the corona virus, but with this exception, the way seems to be cleared for casinos to allow restaurants to receive many people, says CRA.
The CRA regrets that little consultation takes place between the sector and the crisis team. The need at restaurants is very high and the willingness to cooperate is great. There are protocols for opening indoor restaurants that allow for safe dining and serving. "It cannot be the case that double standards are used, if indoor spaces are allowed to be used for gambling, then a restaurant is also entitled to open the doors to let people eat," says CRA.
The CRA has now raised the issue with the government and expects a response shortly. There is great confidence that this ailing sector can soon look to relief from the measures.