“In connection with the psychosis of the 5th wave, we already have a whole slew of canceled seminars, deplores Hubert de Faletans, president of the Union des Métiers des Industries Hôtelières in Haute-Garonne. Business is already very calm. We hope that the presidential factor will be a positive lever. We have to stay the course ”.
The 5th wave, which everyone is talking about, worries restaurant owners who are already very weakened by several months of closure and drastic health measures (gauge, curfew). According to recent announcements by Olivier Véran, the Minister of Health must restore the wearing of the mask while it remains at the discretion of the managers of establishments. Just like the validity of the health pass linked to the PCR test, reduced from 72 hours to 24 hours since Monday, November 29. This profession, faced with a shortage of personnel, has already been working just in time for months. Faced with the situation, some are anticipating: “I have set up and for take-out, Casa Boc, a new brand of products in jars, marketed with professionals (hotels), underlines Hervé Bourg de la Verrière. Better anticipation “.

Place du Capitole, the Bibent is also getting ready: “We had our own delivery system. If it needs to be readjusted, we will. Just like the end-of-year meals that we will also see again, ”assures the restaurant, which hopes that everything will remain in good condition. Rue Mage, Mo Bachir explains: “I repositioned the take-away sale, reviewed the offer, the gift boxes, redesigned the communication”. This restaurateur refuses to think of the worst, “the presidential elections are a bit of a guarantee”.

The gauge: a disaster for small venues

According to Olivier Bouscatel, president of the National Group of Independents of the Hotel and Catering Industry (GNI) 31
“The context is worrying. Especially on the eve of the holidays when the catering is in full swing. Everything will depend on the state of the hospital ”. On condition of anonymity, a restaurateur recalls that the loan guaranteed by the State (PGE) is repayable in June 2022 and that the covid effect is still being felt with a reduction in clientele ”. According to him, restrictions will be a disaster including the gauge, “a suicide for small rooms”.