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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
RESTAURANT operators have applauded the decision by Cabinet allowing sit-ins and dining services in restaurants.
President of the Restaurant Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe (ROAZ), Mr Bongai Zamchiya said the decision will provide much-needed relief to restaurateurs.
He said this was a welcome first step towards normalisation.
“We also thank our partners during the lobbying effort aimed at obtaining reopening. Restaurateurs have been at the forefront of supporting the national fight against Covid-19. ROAZ has recently helped bring the rate of vaccination among staff in member restaurants to its current rate of 94 percent.
“Our objective is safe, sensible dining at all times, providing the correct balance between implementation of suitable regulations and facilitating the provision of dining services to customers.
“The reopening will also be welcomed by the hundreds of businesses that supply goods and services to the restaurant industry, including a large number of small to medium enterprises in agriculture, manufacturing and the service sector.”
Mr Zamchiya said the period of closure to sit-down dining has been a massive threat to the restaurant industry, which has experienced closure of businesses, job losses and evictions from leased premises.
He said many operators have used personal funds to keep people employed and businesses open.
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