Yves Collette, president of the cafetiers of Liège, Namur and Walloon Brabant wants to be optimistic, even if it will be necessary to wait a few days for the new measures.
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“If the Devils bring balm to the heart in the Horeca sector?” And how ! As long as they go very far, ”Yves Collette tells us straight away.
This Friday, June 18, a new Consultation Committee met under the aegis of the Prime Minister. What has emerged for the Horeca? The number of close contacts is also increased from 4 to 8 for the Horeca sector. Tables of eight people will be possible from June 27. In addition, establishments will be able to close at 1 a.m. (rather than 11:30 p.m. currently). A much appreciated “saving” of time, because the temperature is pleasant on the terrace and… because the Devils are playing. Admittedly, in the sector, we would have preferred that these measures, which are popular with everyone, were allowed before June 27. On June 27, the choice is not trivial. On that date, the Red Devils should play their round of 16 in Euro football, if they finish at the top of their group. And so customers will not only be able to see the end of the match but also (a little) to party if they win. Note also that this closing time at 1 hour also applies to home delivery and night shops. For the terraces, the use of plexiglass is authorized as an alternative to the rule of the meter and a half between the tables. Coffee sports and games of chance are authorized, subject to wearing a mask. All good for the Horeca.
The demand is there
The president of the cafetiers is of the same opinion but wants above all to be optimistic: “It is not yet great freedom but the enthusiasm is there. We almost have the impression of being on the way out of the war. Much more than after the first confinement. Now, let’s still be careful. Yes, we take what there is to take and it makes perfect sense. But hoping it will be for the long term. I hear that the news from Moscow is not good. But let’s take advantage of the present moment, it is clear that this has a positive impact on our establishments ”.
That all the Horeca benefit from it, yes: “I have various echoes but it is mainly positive. I know that some consumers have not yet made the decision to go out. But which means that the take-away sale, the take-away, is still working well, in any case that’s what I’m told ”.
And finally, note the positive figures for the pandemic. The signals remain green with us. On a weekly basis, there are 600 contaminations per day, a decrease of 44%, thus indicates Saturday Sciensano. Currently, 499 people with Covid-19 are hospitalized (-35%) including 212 in intensive care (-29%). At this rate, Belgium could return to green on the map of Europe by June 29.
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“On March 12, 2020, Sophie Wilmès announced that clubs and discos had to close their doors. Since then, the sector has never been mentioned again… except Friday, by Minister Jeholet who mentioned that we would talk about the sector at the next committee scheduled for July 16, ”Vincent Arena told us. The DJ is well known in the nightlife scene in Liège and beyond. It has covered, as a professional activity, many major events for years. He also makes a living from this activity. Finally lived: “For 16 months, everything has stopped for us,” he tells us. Vincent found that while some activities can resume, the organizers are forced to adapt to the limited gauges. “I have the impression that we are not seen as full workers. I’m talking about the DJs but also about all those who turn around: waiters, doormen… ”. The man is disappointed not to be able to make people dance and tells us in a bitter tone: “I have the feeling that, when the Covid is no longer there, … we will have disappeared before him”.
