In a first response to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Sunday morning, the MHRA welcomed the move but said it was not enough.
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) notes as positive the announcement made by the Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela of a plan to gradually reopen our restaurants as at least this ends speculation which was creating painful uncertainty.
MHRA however believes that the announced of the reopening conditions will not be of much help to the majority of restaurants to ensure sustainable operations of their business.
MHRA President Tony Zahra states that, “it’s positive that we now have a date for the re-opening of restaurants but opening only for lunch does not make business sense for the majority of restaurants.
Many restaurants will continue to remain under a lot of pressure and our appeal to Government is to allow restaurants to serve dinner too whilst ensuring proper enforcement measures to guarantee that rules are abided for by all.”
MHRA reiterates its support to the principle of protecting lives and livelihoods, but unfortunately restaurants are still paying the highest price as no business can survive if they cannot serve customers. The core business model of most restaurants depends on both lunch and dinner, mainly dinner, and therefore for many it will not be feasible to open for lunch only.
MHRA is greatly concerned that such a situation will keep jeopardizing the jobs and investment in this sector. MHRA reiterates that it’s positive that we have a reopening date but it’s not enough to save our restaurants.
