Latest COVID restrictions will have major impact on some businesses, says chamber

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is calling on the province to provide financial relief to the businesses impacted by the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions in British Columbia.

The government has announced that as of Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m., bars and nightclubs in B.C. must close until Jan. 18, along with gyms, fitness centres and dance studios, while indoor organized gatherings of any size, such as weddings and receptions, are cancelled.

Robin Cardew, president of the Greater Vernon Chamber, said while they appreciate that health officials are implementing measures to keep cases from climbing, and they thank all health care professionals for their efforts, they have concerns.

“We hope the government recognizes the significant impact these latest restrictions will have on very specific sectors of our economy, many of them small-businesses,” Cardew stated. “Bars, fitness centres and banquet facilities are making a sacrifice on behalf of all British Columbians and it is incumbent on the government to provide direct financial resources to these businesses to minimize the losses they will experience.”

Cardew added the chamber stands behind small businesses which are the backbone of every community.

The government has also announced that seated events are reduced to 50 per cent capacity with vaccination checking and mandatory masking regardless of venue size, while there is a maximum of six people per table at restaurants, pubs and cafes plus physical distancing or barriers.

“We understand that the COVID situation is evolving almost daily and there is a need for immediate decisions, but we are concerned that businesses in B.C. are not being provided sufficient notice to communicate closures or reduced capacities to their employees and customers, or to cancel food and beverage orders,” said Cardew.

As for the other measures announced Tuesday, the chamber says it welcomes the distribution of rapid-test kits and an expansion of booster vaccine capacity.

The Dahl Group of Companies, which owns Wings Vernon, The Italian Kitchen, Top Choice Pizza and Vernon Catering & Hospitality, said it could have been a lot worse.

“Quebec, for example, seems more of a total lockdown,” said Katie Dahl, VP of the restaurant group. “We are relieved that restaurants can stay open, and we are used to measures like masks and physical distancing. Overall, our approach has been ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy.’ That might sound funny, but it actually works.”

The Dahl Group is not sure if the food service industry will see provincial and federal support, and the true economic impact of the new rules is not known.

The Opposition BC Liberals are demanding John Horgan’s NDP government immediately provide circuit-breaker supports for impacted businesses to stay afloat.

“It’s simply astounding how the NDP has once again introduced restrictions with no corresponding supports in place for affected businesses,” said Kamloops South MLA Todd Stone, BC Liberal Critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “Only four days ago, businesses were promised there would be no new restrictions put in place before Christmas, but now they are being dealt another unexpected blow without the financial supports they and their staff will need to get through the holidays.”