Thailand
Cambodia: City Hall reopening guidelines ease concerns of weary restaurateurs
In the wake of the haziness that surround ed the temporary ban on dining, restaurateurs were granted relief by a City Hall decree issued early last evening that establishments be allowed to serve patrons again, indoors or out, as long as they adhere strictly to proper health protocols.
Confusion had reigned during the latest measures, with diners seen eating in small alley restaurants, particularly around Bassac Lane despite the ban.
City Hall said in the new decree that restaurants that ensure health safety measures, especially in the maintenance of social-distancing, can run their businesses as normal.
Owner of the popular Indian restaurant Dakshin’s, Pannirselvam said, “The lifing of the temporary ban on dine-in is very helpful, particularly for certain cuisines like Indian, which is best served in a restaurant, rather than as take-away or delivery.”
Dakshin’s moved to Phnom Penh just two months ago from Siem Reap, having decided to relocate to the Boeung Keng Kang district because of the downturn in Siem Reap’s tourism driven economy.The temporary ban coming so soon after the restaurant’s successful move had the affalable Dakshin’s owner already considering the freeing up of additional resources to wait out the measures if necessary.
Prior to City Hall’s announcement shortly after 6PM las night, Cambodia Restaurants Association President Arnaud Darc had told Khmer Times that it had been understood that no dining was allowed on the premises of restaurants and that also went for terraces and patios, but clarification of the latter had not been confirmed.
Some businesses had been operating under the assumption that outdoor dining was exempt from the ban, believing that it was safer and the temporary ordinances did not outright prohibit it.
Darc noted yesterday that his understanding from the beginning was that no dining was allowed but people had their own interpretations despite the measures having been explained to association members. Some restaurants were doing dine-in nevertheles to which Darc added, “They don’t care. A pity.”
One of the Kingdom’s culinary stars chose to speak under the condition of anonymity.
When asked whether outdoor dining was allowed prior to City Hall’s decree, he responded it was a good question, addng that there were certainly restaurants allowing diners to eat inside and outside, especially the aftorementioned spots in alley locations. He chose not to let people eat inside, as authorities had already warned him. Since his operation does not have a patio or terrace, that conundrum did not affect him.
Another restaurateur mentioned there were places that did decent custom over the weekend, with most of them knowing what they were doing was wrong, yet carrying on out of desperation.
Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50908113/city-hall-reopening-guidelines-ease-concerns-of-weary-restaurateurs/