Restaurants will look a bit different when they open
The Saskatchewan government revealed new guidelines for bars and restaurants slated to reopen next month, and it includes mandatory masking for servers who can’t keep their distance from customers.
The Re-open Saskatchewan plan released on April 23 already specified that restaurants, bars and nightclubs would have to operate at 50-per-cent capacity when they open as part of Phase 3. On Thursday, the province gave a June 8 target date for that phase, and revealed specific guidance on Friday.
While the 50-per-cent limit remains a “must,” as does two-metre physical distancing between tables, the new guidance also includes a number of recommendations for how restaurants “should” operate to contain the spread of COVID -19.
Dinner parties should be limited to six people, while larger groups should be separated among multiple physically distanced tables. Aisles should be wide enough to ensure physical distancing, and one-way traffic should be considered. The guidelines also urge restaurants to consider self seating through table numbers.
The government accepts that it may be “difficult” to maintain physical distancing in kitchens. It says other actions “may be necessary,” such as self-monitoring, altering shift and break times, and use of personal protective equipment.
But the guidelines do include a few more mandatory measures that have not been previously detailed. Servers, hosts and other staff who cannot keep two metres away from customers “must wear” a procedural or surgical mask. Gloves, however, are not recommended.
The government guidance also urges restaurants and bars to develop measures to limit contact between servers and customers. That could mean having guests pour their own beverages or leaving food and drink at the front of the table.
Matt Pinch, president and CEO of Leo’s Hospitality Management Group, said he wasn’t surprised about the mandatory masking rule. His company owns seven Saskatchewan bars, including six Leo’s locations and Victoria’s Tavern, and has already ordered masks for its staff. He said the Leo’s team is looking at how to reduce contact between staff through shift spacing, which might mean taking a closer look at the menu. But he was adamant that wings, poutine and burgers are sure to stay.
Pinch is aiming to reopen most Saskatchewan locations on June 8. Though the new reality will take some creativity, given the cramped spaces in Leo’s locations, Pinch said his team will make it work. He said the past two months have been the toughest in his entire career.
“We’re here to stay financially,” he said. “It’s been tough, but we’re ready to come back and get back to work.”
He was generally positive about the government guidelines.
“We have to take baby steps here to get comfortable with reopening,” said Pinch.