PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay restaurant industry joined the nationwide peaceful protest action last Wednesday in solidarity with the hospitality, restaurant and wine industries against the government's lockdown regulations. The regulations have had a devastating effect on these sectors over the more than 100-day lockdown period.

Some of the regulations include a ban on the sale of alcohol and a 21:00 curfew, which have forced establishments to reduce operating times.

The protest on Wednesday 22 July, dubbed "Million Seats on the Streets", highlighted the plight of about 800 0000 employees whose jobs are hanging in the balance.

It was a call by the Restaurant Association of South Africa (Rasa) and saw many restaurants across South Africa participate.

In Plettenberg Bay, restaurants set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk and on the side of the road while employees were seen holding placards illustrating the devastation on employment in the sector. Some placards showed the number of jobs that had already been affected by the regulations.

"They stood in solidarity against the regulations that prevent them from serving alcohol to diners and limiting the amount of time diners have due to curfew restrictions," said Plett Tourism spokesperson Patty Butterworth.

In a recent interview, Rasa chief executive Wendy Alberts said the protest was presenting a united front for the government to "take us more seriously", and that they hoped it would capture the attention of President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Sunday, Rasa's legal representatives confirmed that the presidency had acknowledged receipt of their memorandum.

Alberts also noted that their proposal to lift the ban on alcohol would be discussed by the National Coronavirus Command Council.

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