Benoni restaurants join countrywide peaceful protest against lockdown restrictions

Several restaurants took to the streets and pavements today (July 22) in a peaceful protest to raise awareness around the alcohol-ban affecting income.

Marike van Staden (left) and Hein Reid from the Victorian Secret said they are grateful that they have a bakery and their business has not suffered that much, but the lockdown has made them understand their business and develop new products.

Restaurants across the country put their empty tables and chairs out on the street today in a peaceful protest against the effect of lockdown restrictions on their livelihoods. The Restaurant Association of South Africa built momentum for the protest using the hashtag #JobsSaveLives.

The City Times visited Western Extension restaurants and spoke to the owners about the impact of the lockdown restrictions, and especially the ban on alcohol sales, on their businesses and their employees.

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Kevin Helena, owner of of Villa Funchal, said the alcohol-ban has killed his business. His employees are working on cut hours and he says government has got to lift the ban on alcohol sales to help restaurants survive.

Some stood with placards about saving their jobs, while other restaurants placed several tables outside to attract the attention of passers-by.

A group of business owners, waiters and customers joins hands on Russel Street, Western Extension, to raise awareness.
Staff at Cheers Restaurant plead for help. They are, back (from left): Fallon Masvaure (manager), Sharon Nxumalo, Chris Mwale and Jonathan Masvaure. Front: Solange dos Santos (co-owner) and Keyur Lalaram (co-owner).
Coula Foord (left) and Lyndsay Ousman sipping on non-alcohol wine while dining at Lemongrass Restaurant.

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