With the pandemic ongoing throughout another Christmas season, local bars and restaurants are feeling the pinch again, with Holiday sales falling short of a normal year.--NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
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Shifting health restrictions and the spectre of the continuing pandemic took a lot of wind out of Holiday merrymaking again in 2021, but bar and restaurant owners who were closed completely 12 months ago say the additional business is appreciated.
Larger venue operators are also able to be open, but didn’t book the big bashes as COVID uneasiness continues for companies.
Anecdotally, smaller gatherings have been held in restaurants, and other informal gatherings and nights out have boosted activity, but with the lead up to Christmas essentially over, operators are worried about new restrictions hampering New Year’s celebrations.
“Overall we’ve seen a bump, which is standard for this time of year, but probably not as big as year’s past,” said Devon Potvin, co-owner of the Silver Buckle in Medicine Hat.
“People are being creative finding a way to get together safely. I’m sure all bar operators are really appreciative of their customers, and that the (new round of health measures from the province) haven’t shut us down entirely.”
In 2020, bars and restaurants were closed entirely by health order from Dec. 13 to Jan. 4, along with banquet rooms and halls.
This fall, the province brought in a “restriction exemption program” allowing full capacity at restaurants that used a vaccine verification system.
This week the province announced new measures but generally held the existing line on size of bar gatherings, though a sooner last call of 11 p.m. goes into effect Friday. Groups of 10 can gather at one table with no mingling, while dancing, games like darts or pool, can take place.
Health officials also recommend at-work parties be cancelled.
In a typical year, Stan Sakamoto of Shooting Stars events, would bring on 20 to 25 employees for weekends for large company Holiday events.
The veteran caterer had been hoping for a better Christmas season this year after a non-existent Holiday party circuit in 2020.
Now, coming out of the fourth wave, caused by Delta variant, and ahead of an expected fifth, caused by the Omicron variant, larger office gatherings were again foregone due to uncertainty.
“It’s been very bleak,” he told the News last week, which would have been the time he would typically be getting ready to wrap up his busiest season. Instead there have been several small events.
“All the large events were delayed. People are still very cautious about COVID, and rightly so.”
He said there were a number of weddings this summer, and some other catering events, along with more bookings already for 2022, but the current Christmas party season is a washout.
“We’ve been in business for a long time and will carry on, but it’s hardest on the employees, who really bear the brunt,” said Sakamoto.
“There is some saving grace for smaller hospitality providers who can access the (federal wage subsidies), but it’s been very bleak.”
Health measures announced this week take effect at 12:01 a.m on Dec. 24, including capacity limits on major venues of more than 500 seats, mainly affecting sporting venues.
Existing restrictions and capacity limits for places of worship, indoor and outdoor social gatherings like weddings and funerals will remain in place.
Indoor mask wearing is mandatory at all publicly accessible buildings, including those taking part in the restrictions exemption program.
