MHRA welcomes reopening date, but says it is ‘not enough to save our restaurants’

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) positively noted the announcement made by Prime Minister Robert Abela of a plan to gradually reopen restaurants, “as at least this ends speculation which was creating painful uncertainty.”

It was announced on Sunday that from 10 May, restaurants and snack bars will be able to reopen until 5pm with a maximum of four people at each table. (After 5pm they will only be able to open for take-aways and deliveries)

The MHRA believes, however, that the announced reopening conditions will not be of much help to the majority of restaurants to ensure sustainable operations of their business.

MHRA President Tony Zahra said that: “It’s positive that we now have a date for the reopening of restaurants, but opening only for lunch does not make business sense for the majority of restaurants. Many will continue to remain under a lot of pressure and our appeal to Government is to allow restaurants to serve dinner too, whilst ensuring proper enforcement measures to guarantee that rules are abided for by all.”

The MHRA reiterated its support to the principle of protecting lives and livelihoods, “but unfortunately restaurants are still paying the highest price as no business can survive if they cannot serve customers. The core business model of most restaurants depends on both lunch and dinner, mainly dinner, and therefore, for many it will not be feasible to open for lunch only.”

The MHRA said that it is greatly concerned that such a situation will keep jeopardizing the jobs and investment in this sector.