Dolphin Coast restaurants fear trading without liquor a death knell for the industry

While many Ballito restaurants are re-opening this week – minus the ability to serve liquor at meals – it is also certain that there have been some casualties caused by the three-month lockdown.

Several restaurant owners said the ease in restrictions has come too late and have left many with no alternative but to close.

One such business, a local favourite among sports enthusiasts and karaoke lovers is the Grandstand Sports Bar and Grill at The Circle.

While co-owners and brothers Craig and Dean Fletcher had a bittersweet celebration of their business’ 9th birthday on June 15, they already knew all hope of re-opening was lost.

The sale of alcohol for sit-down customers made up about 70% of their turnover.

Craig further attributes the closure to a lack of assistance from government.

He said they had only received payment from unemployment insurance (UIF) for one month, despite having had their applications approved for three months.

While they had paid salaries of some staff during lockdown they suffered a loss of R300 000 -R350 000 per month.

They were forced to lay off 15 staff.

Trevor Wolf, owner of Ballito’s oldest restaurant, Al Pescatore, resumed full trading on Monday but questions government’s decision to not allow the sale of alcohol for sit-down clients.

“We are very worried as more than 35% of our income comes from the sale of alcohol. A million dollar sea view is only a draw-card if it’s served with a bottle of wine.

“Very few people want to go out for dinner or a late afternoon lunch without the option of alcohol being served. It’s like a petrol station being allowed to sell unleaded fuel, but not diesel.”

During closure, Wolf said he had to meet running costs averaging nearly R100 000 per month.

He is concerned that if government continues to ban the sale of alcohol for sit-down clients, many more restaurants will be forced to close their doors.

“Although we are excited to have reopened after 96 days, we cannot understand how we are only allowed to trade at half-mast.”

“We are hopeful that come December the sale of alcohol will be allowed, and that we can make up the loss of income from holidaymakers.”

With international travel still being restricted, local businesses are hopeful that South Africans will opt to holiday locally.

Restaurants have to adhere to the following regulations: (FOR FULL REGULATIONS)

• The wearing of a face mask is compulsory for entry;

• A screening questionnaire must be completed;

• Guests must wear face masks except when eating or drinking;

• Staff and delivery people must maintain a distance of one and a half metres.

One Ballito waitress said that she was the sole breadwinner for her family.

“I rent here in Groutville but my home and family is in the Eastern Cape,” said Thabisa Cele, who said that she was happy to be able to work again to support her two children.

iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse said that many restaurants had opted to postpone trading, focusing on preparing their premises and staff.

“The feedback regarding the opening of restaurants, considering the ongoing restrictions, is mixed. Restaurants where on-premises liquor consumption is a popular offering and significantly contributes to establishment revenue were obviously less excited about the trade limitations.”

Oelofse urged North Coast diners to support local businesses and added that many have done a sterling job in developing safety protocols to guide the industry.

He concluded that restaurants with outdoor and open areas will remain the popular choice.

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