Restaurants are still paying the costs of health measures imposed by the Legault government, while some regions of Quebec are more affected than others by the third wave of the pandemic. But as the beautiful summer season is getting closer and closer, restaurateurs operating in the red zone believe that their survival depends on opening the terraces earlier.
At least they are asking for a government action plan as quickly as possible in order to be properly prepared. At first, they want the terraces to open. It has been recognized that the risks of spread are lower outdoors.
Workforce
In addition to a question of survival, the restaurateurs are targeting the opening of the terraces by the middle of May especially to hire student staff as quickly as possible. With the sessions ending soon, they fear that the CEGEP and students will find another job elsewhere.
Several large Quebec chains have united their voices to make this request. If they get positive feedback, at least open dialogue, and the government starts talking about reopening again, they can plan the hiring and not let future employees slip through their fingers.
Work group
The government has allowed a number of restaurateurs to join together and form a task force to start serious discussions with health officials about the reopening. Stakeholders from public health and the CNESST will also be included.
This committee will have to establish a security protocol, as it did last spring when the first confinement ended.
Regions
In some regions of Quebec, municipalities have already announced that they want to renew the special permissions granted last summer for the operation of outdoor kitchens and terraces.
This is the case first of all in Drummondville, which has confirmed that it wants to once again lighten its regulations relating to the installation of terraces on private property. The city council believes that this permission could give an additional boost to the restaurant sector, which remains precarious.
Finally, Sherbrooke announced the comeback of the Wellington-sur-Mer experience. This is a secure space on Wellington Street North, which becomes pedestrianized for the occasion, where alcohol consumption is permitted and where picnic tables are set up. It is possible, according to the sanitary rules at this time, that certain shows are organized to liven up the sector.
