Restaurant owner: We’re being pushed to back of queue again

A LEAMINGTON restaurant owner says he’s been “pushed to the back of the queue again” following Boris Johnson’s announcement of the lockdown lifting roadmap.

Pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces have been told the earliest they will be able to re-open in April 12, and this date is dependant on Covid-19 vaccine and cases data. Despite this news being positive for many, restaurant owners are still feeling the strain of not being able to open their doors.

Jose Ribeiro owns We Love Pizza in Leamington. He took over the lease in February last year but due to the first lockdown, was unable to open until September.

Despite trading for a short time, he had to close up once again when lockdown was reinstated and the business has been closed for more days than open since its conception.

Jose estimates he is losing more than £2,000 for every week the restaurant is closed.

Following the PM’S announcement, he said: “The successful roll out of the vaccination programme gives hospitality businesses and society in general a clear exit for the existing lockdown.

But the hospitality industry is going to the back of the queue once again and that will come with even more job losses and businesses collapsing.

“This is an industry already on its knees and further delay on reopening will stall any glimpse of hope for a recovery and is not based on any safety data. That is no reason to be back of the line, evidence shows hospitality venues are very safe due to the investment business owners made to comply and go beyond any requirements.

“It’s important the government follow the data, but data shows we can move swiftly, safely and sustainably with an early April opening.”

It is the biggest challenge faced by the experienced restaurateur who has worked as a consultant for the last 26 years.