Restaurants all across South Africa are being urged to join in with a nationwide protest on Wednesday 22 July, as their pleas for eased restrictions in the industry continue to fall on deaf ears. Eateries and their staff have endured a torrid time during lockdown, and they are currently struggling with strict operating guidelines.
WHY RESTAURANTS WILL PROTEST ON THE STREETS NEXT WEEK
The biggest issue facing restaurants – which were allowed to reopen for sit-in meals in June – is the sale of alcohol. For the six weeks booze was made available, food outlets were banned from selling it. Business owners are also only permitted to welcome guests at 70% capacity, severely denting their potential income.
Numerous engagements with the government – led by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) – have ended in a stalemate. Now those involved in one of South Africa’s best-loved trades are focusing their efforts on making a public stand, and hope to make their message heard loud and clear this time around.
HOW THE PROTESTS WILL WORK ON WEDNESDAY 22 JULY
In a letter issued by their lawyers (and seen by thesouthafrican), next week’s protest will encourage restaurant owners and employees to place their tables and chairs ‘in the roads adjacent’ to their location. Social distancing will be observed, as no more than 15 people will be allowed to protest at each venue.
The two-hour demonstration is set to take place between 12:00 – 14:00, and restaurants planning to participate have been told to notify their local police stations so they can plan for the disruption. The legal letter further explains the motivations behind the upcoming protests:
