Calgary bar makes “tough decision” to close as Alberta COVID-19 cases grow

It was a difficult and painful call to make, but necessary, according to pub owner Dickens.

On Facebook, Chris Hewitt said the curfew isn’t enough to keep COVID-19 cases in Alberta under control, so it will temporarily close for two to three weeks.

“Rather than waiting – we’re four figures a day for new cases – and I thought maybe we should do something ourselves and take a break,” Hewitt said.

He said that while health regulations will be adhered to until that 11pm closing order, nothing prevents those people from leaving the pub to the nearest house party.

“People already go to house parties. Just last weekend, when the events wrapped up here, everyone was planning which house party they were going to, ”Hewitt said.

“I know what people are like when they drink. We are here to provide a safe atmosphere, but when they leave here, we can’t do it anymore. “

Hewitt felt like there was no other alternative and is shocked that the province has not imposed stricter restrictions.

“I’m surprised. I thought more would come out on Thursday,” Hewitt said.

“I didn’t feel comfortable and responsible to keep inviting people down here with things as they are.”

He knows it’s not the decision for every business, but he had to do what was right for his.

“This is the driving force, I care for everyone, I care for myself and my wife as general manager and for my friends,” Hewitt said.

“I went to bed convinced it was the right move, I woke up thinking it was the wrong move.”

“I know this isn’t the decision that covers every basis, I know.”

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Alberta Health’s director of communications, Zoë Cooper, acknowledged that operators have worked hard to follow the guidance in place.

“However, individual businesses can choose to take additional action if they believe it is in their best interest as independent operators, as many did during the pandemic,” Cooper said.

Malek El-Chehimi, owner of Simon King Donair in South Edmonton, said every day is stressful.

“Sometimes it’s a headache, it’s hard,” El-Chehimi said.

“You work, work, work and eventually you have to close and then lose money.”

After the pandemic, the restaurant lost nearly 50% of its sales. El-Chehimi said he has no choice but to fire two staff members and right now the company is struggling to make money.

“We’re just paying our bills and paying the rent and no profit, honestly.”

The Alberta section of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said a survey of its members on October 22, 2020 indicated 16 percent of small businesses on the verge of bankruptcy or closure, which equates to approximately 32,000 businesses.

Annie Dormuth of the CFIB called it a “surprising number”.

“These are our friends and our families,” Dormuth said.

“Many of the local companies we know and love are in a really tough position right now.”

The CFIB said many of its members are earning enough to keep the lights on and pay for staff.

Dormuth said the worst-case scenario for many of these employers is another lockdown similar to the one that was imposed in March.

“Another block in the near future without the supports would be pretty devastating,” Dormuth pointed out. He said federal small business support programs have not yet been provided and the Alberta government has not provided any additional support.

The Alberta NDP has called on the UCP government to offer more support to small businesses, saying that without further financial aid, this would lead to “dire consequences”.

“Even though they have offered some deferrals and a small grant, it just isn’t enough,” said Rachel Notley, leader of the NDP.

“Jason Kenney is putting these businesses and the economy at risk by standing on the sidelines and doing nothing.”

The opposition has established seven measures that, in its view, would have better prepared entrepreneurs for any future restrictions that may arise:

1. Triple the small and medium-sized business revitalization grant funding offered by the government to a total of $ 600 million, enabling companies to receive $ 10,000 each (from $ 5,000) and lowering the qualification threshold from 50% lost revenue 40% lost revenue during any two-month period of the pandemic (not just April and May as currently specified).
2. Combine the federal block inbound support program of up to 25% to provide coverage for businesses forced to close due to COVID-19.
3. Reinstate the commercial eviction ban that expired on August 31 for six months until April 2021.
4. Reinstate the ban on closing utilities for six months and institute a deferral of up to 6 months until April 2021. Also, change the legislation to authorize forgiveness on utility costs or reduced rates at a later date.
5. Renew the request for a 50% reduction on small business insurance and extend the reduction to 30 June 2021.
6. Provide government-backed low-interest credit lines of up to $ 30,000.
7. Introduce a COVID-19 risk index that gives companies the ability to plan to move up or down a phase of the relaunch strategy.

The CFIB said small businesses have stepped up to adapt their day-to-day operations to protect the public, but some are starting to question targeted restrictions, particularly fitness studios and bars that are predominantly impacted by the latest restrictions.

“What small businesses want to see if we have to enter another round of blocking measures is to simply put the data out there that supports it,” Dormuth said.

El-Chehimi said he’s also checking the COVID-19 case numbers in Edmonton and wants to see them fall – but if the province orders another full lockdown, the donair store would likely close for good in less than a few months.

“We will fight to the end.”

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