The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to spikes in virus transmission, infection and, tragically, deaths across Europe, as governments seek to implement policies that will halt these trends.
After the first lockdown earlier this year, some worried that communities, businesses, economies and societies would not survive another lockdown, or that fatigue may cause reduced adherence to the rules. Governments responded in kind, with many facilitating viable businesses to remain open – reduced capacity, expansion of businesses considered ‘essential, promotion of ‘click and collect’, etc.
One sector that has not been afforded this opportunity in a number of Member States is hospitality – restaurants, bars and hotels remain closed in many European countries until today. Other countries have severely restricted the reopening of the hospitality sector – in Ireland, only gastropubs have been allowed to reopen, while in Wales and Scotland there have been restrictions placed on the sale of alcohol within such establishments.
These forced closures and increased restrictions are disappointing to hoteliers, restauranteurs and vintners, many of whom have invested heavily to make their establishments ‘COVID-ready’ and prepared to welcome customers again. This has come in many forms – increasing the outdoor seating capacity, ensuring indoor spaces comply with social distancing rules, protective equipment for staff and increased disinfection of surfaces, etc. All of this has been done to ensure that both customers and staff are kept safe – these efforts are reflected in the low rates of infection/transmission recorded whenever the hospitality sector reopens.
spiritsEUROPE has been consistent in advocating that a safe, sustainable reopening of the hospitality sector should be reviewed and considered as a matter of priority, particularly when it can offer a safe and controlled environment to those seeking to socialise with family and friends. The implementation of proportionate and evidence-based policies has never been more important. Should the controlled reopening of the sector not be possible, the necessary supports to help these otherwise viable businesses survive into 2021 are required, urgently.
