A third of all restaurants, cafes and takeaways plan to reopen at level 3 according to a survey conducted by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. It has indicated that approximately a third of all restaurants, cafes and takeaway businesses are considering reopening at alert level 3, translating to approximately five thousand businesses across the country.
The survey follows the announcement from the government yesterday that the level 3 alert system will allow the reopening of hospitality establishments through restricted takeaway and pick up services.
“Whilst this is a positive step for our industry, we are still acutely aware of the fact that this will not work for all businesses,” said Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois. “This is good news for those that offered a takeaway or delivery service before lock down and that have a road side frontage able to manage pick ups.
“The fact that so many are considering reopening and adapting their business models to accommodate the new rules is testament to the innovative and resilient nature of those that work in hospo.
“However even for those businesses it will at best allow them to break even. We also have a number of members that are unable to offer this service for example those within malls that remain closed at level 3.
“The results of our survey indicate that approximately forty per cent of our membership will remain closed at level 3 with another 30 per cent currently working through the logistics and economics of reopening.
“Whilst we see this as a positive step, the industry still needs urgent financial relief to enable our business owners to avoid the devastating personal and professional losses that will inevitably occur if more assistance is not offered.”
Bidois has presented the Contactless Delivery Programme to the Epidemic Response Committee, government ministers, MBIE and MPI and once the details have been finalised it will be made available to the whole industry. The programme includes guidelines for how production, delivery, drive through and pick-ups will work.
Contactless delivery plan key points:
• Online or phone contactless ordering
• Restricted menus and minimal staff in kitchens to prepare orders
• Description of safe spot for leaving package
• Delivery drivers to be wearing gloves and face masks
• Delivery driver to knock on door and send text when food has arrived and ensure that the food is taken inside the property but watch from a 2 metre distance.
