ERMELO – The safety of South African citizens is of paramount importance, but with the reintroduction of level 4 Covid-19 lockdown regulations, the fate of local businesses, especially those in the food and beverage industry, hang in the balance.

Numerous local restaurant owners have laid bare their financial woes, some stating that they would be unable to endure yet another lockdown.

It is for this reason that owners of local restaurants are pleading with the public to support them in these trying times.

In line with this, a think tank to propose ideas to keep businesses’ doors open has been formed.

The aim of this think tank is to assist and provide inspiration and hope to a crippled industry.

Seeing that all sit-down services have been temporarily banned, a proposal was put forward that restaurants that previously had not offered takeaway and delivery services, begin the implementation thereof.

Additionally, local restaurateurs have contemplated the introduction of a road house business model, where patrons are served in their vehicles outside the respective establishments.

Off-the-menu orders where meals that are not typically served, will be considered with the aim of reaching a wider clientele.

Mr Athol Stark, chief operations officer of Highveld Tourism Mpumalanga, said, “This is no longer a matter of turning profits, it’s about the survival of these businesses and these individuals being able to provide for their families.

“Covid and the accompanying regulations not only pose a serious threat to the survival of these businesses, but to a large extent, also to the psychological well-being of the people within the industry.”

All proposals, however, have one thing in common; their dependency on the support of the Ermelo community.

Mr Stark has urged residents to not only keep these businesses in mind, but if at all financially viable, to support them.

“By just substituting a homemade meal and ordering from any of these restaurants or takeaway outlets, you are contributing to the cause.”

Affected establishments have also pledged to pay whatever they can forward to existing charitable causes.