As Jersey enters level three of its Safe Exit Framework, some hospitality businesses are re-opening their doors to customers – but it won’t be business as usual, says the JHA’s Simon Soar.
‘It’s an important week for hospitality in Jersey with the reopening of establishments that offer alfresco eating. Many businesses are back up and running but it’s far from business as usual.
‘Business will be operating at a reduced capacity, and they’re not going to be making a profit. What the easing of restrictions has done, however, is allow them to get some trade coming in, which is a vital step in the right direction.
‘Many of these businesses are trying to support 20 percent of their employees’ salaries, and they’ve got expenses to cover, so having some money coming in is better than nothing. But there’s also an important mental wellbeing element to businesses reopening.
‘I think that, quite rightly, the big focus right now has been on physical health not mental health. But for business owners, with bills to pay and no income, the impact on mental wellbeing is huge. Across the board, not just in hospitality, business owners have been under stress. It’s been a time of enormous anxiety.
‘Being allowed to open for business in some capacity will hopefully make a difference. The opportunity to make a little bit of money has to be a good thing for people’s wellbeing. But there are many bars, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments, that can’t offer al fresco, and can’t offer take away. We’ve got to ensure the people behind these businesses continue to receive sufficient support until their time comes to get back on their feet.’
