Bars are permitted to open under Alert Level Two, but some owners are unhappy with the restrictions and say it could be the end of their business.
The restrictions limit the number of people in an establishment at any given time, with dance and karaoke spaces remaining closed.
Brenda O’Reilly, owner of O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub and Yellowbelly Brewery says the new normal has brought some challenges, and while she’s lucky her businesses are also restaurants, others aren’t so fortunate.
While she agrees with the restrictions for public safety, O’Reilly feels that after being forced to close for three months, now is the time for government to help business owners.
She says the tourism industry needs to be taken seriously, saying it’s a “people business” that is renewable, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly. O’Reilly says it’s a viable industry that is here to stay.
O’Reilly says businesses have expenses to pay, and if it wasn’t for the wage subsidy, they wouldn’t be open at all. O’Reilly states if they don’t find some liquidity between now and next fall, businesses will close.
Meanwhile, the manager of a popular family-owned karaoke bar in the capital city says his family is disappointed with the government’s decision not to allow karaoke as the transition to Alert Level Two takes place.
Jonathan Young, of Stanley’s Pub, says they may be able to open their doors on Monday to try to accommodate the regulars and find a way forward, but he admits that without karaoke they won’t be able to sustain the bar for long.
Young continues that he was prepared to make the necessary changes to resume services. For example, he was going to buy multiple microphones to allow a buffer and use disinfectant after each use. He believes that it is manageable, especially with reduced capacity.
Young wants government to have a second look at the situation.
“We’re more responsible than they think that we are,” says Young, who is calling on government to work with karaoke bar owners. He says music can heal, and thinks people need to get out and blow off some steam.
