Restaurants plead for one-hour curfew extension as spring approaches

As warmer days approach, restaurants are pleading with government to extend the national curfew by one hour.

The Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) says one hour will make a massive difference.

“We need the national curfew to be extended by an hour to enable restaurants to trade during the crucial dinner-time period,” said Rasa chief executive officer (CEO) Wendy Alberts.

At least 70% of trade turnover is generated during dinner time, said Alberts.

“Especially as we head into spring and better weather, our customers do not want to be rushed when they go out for a meal,” she added.

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The restaurant sector in South Africa has been devastated by ongoing and ever-changing regulations, often implemented overnight, over the past 18 months.

Alberts said under the current curfew, trading ceases at 9pm to allow staff to close and travel home before the 10pm deadline to be off the roads.

Business operators and employees have had to endure salary cuts, taking unpaid leave and other stresses. There’s also added uncertainty over whether they will receive an income in the future.

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