Local businesses speak out on new restrictions imposed
The establishments are to close at 6pm from Monday to Saturday and 1pm on a Sunday. They can then only open for business at 9am the next day.
The most recent government restriction concerning the Covid-19 is that all establishments selling alcohol will have new trading hours. This decision has once again affected our Benoni community and businesses.
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The rules have come into effect as part of the Disaster Management Act.
The City Times took to the streets of Benoni to find out how this has impacted businesses, restaurants and pubs.
Comments from pubs and bars received as follows:
McGintys Northmead Square:
“We are devastated,” said the owner, Paul Coucourakis.
“We find this very unfair as we are a pub and grill and most days we only start picking up after 6pm when everyone is done with work.
“I don’t even know how I’m going to pay salaries or the rent on my seven-year lease.
“This rule has thrown us into a dark spot and we feel that no consideration was taken into account before making this choice.”
“People have families to feed, rent to pay and food to buy, how will any of this get done now since this new rule has come into effect,” said Willem Richter, manager.
“Do we claim UIF? We don’t even know.
“We only open at 12 on Saturdays and Sundays, so how does it make sense now that we are open for an hour?
“We are all scared and this has brought on more panic than anything else.”
Pablos:
“Governments all over the world provide people and businesses with money, they assist them in keeping afloat, our government does something like this and expects us to just somehow carry on,” said Ivan Ivanov, owner.
“I am worried about how I am going to pay salaries as my evenings at Pablos are when our business starts to thrive; the evenings are when we pick up.
“I’m not happy at all.”
Small businesses:
Noni’s Nail Salon:
“I haven’t had a drop in my customers because of the procedures I have put in place,” Noni Maphulo said.
“I only wear my gloves and mask, and change my gloves after each customer.
“My customers also wash their hands and sanitise before I start working on them. But people are scared and so am I, but what can I do? This is my business.”
Rose Hairdresser, Northmead:
“We have lost so much business already; we now only get about two to three people here a day whereas before it was much more,” said the owner, Anil Kumar.
“We have provided hand sanitisers and also take the necessary precautions when people do come in, but this is scary and really have impacted us badly.”
Travel agencies:
Flight Centre Lakeside Mall:
“We have been dealing with cancellations and postponing of travel in a mass,” said the manager, Kim Forbes.
“An average of 20 cancellations and postponing happens daily.
“We have no business at the moment since the virus.
“We look after our customers, but no one wants to go anywhere, they are scared, but even if they did they are not allowed to travel.
“Those who are pregnant in the company or sick have been told they can work from home and the rest of us were given the option to take leave if we decide to do so.
“We are not looking at closing at this point, but if it comes down to another rule saying we have to then that’s what we will do.
“We care about our customers and want what is best for them and us.”
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