It was not an easy choice. Because: of course the 35-year-old pub owner Malu wanted to see her customers again. And her staff is eager to spoil the guests with wine and specialty beer.
It does not feel right
“But we will not open our terrace on Wednesday,” says the Nijmegen catering entrepreneur resolutely. “I still see reports about overcrowded hospitals, increasing infections and there are even warnings about code black for next week. Then I cannot bear to throw open my terrace. Prime Minister Rutte himself said that he has stomach ache, but then we will relax anyway. I can’t reach it with my head. “
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Brave decision
Malu took over Jos pub from her parents a few years ago. The café is a household name in Nijmegen and was previously voted café of the year. She employs eight people. “Fortunately, they all support my decision. They all feel that way,” says Malu.
She shared her decision on the pub’s Facebook page. It resulted in a storm of reactions. “I get messages from all over the country. Actually all positive. People think it’s a brave decision,” she says.
Rethink
Almost all pubs in Nijmegen with a terrace do open on Wednesday, Malu knows. “I understand that too. Colleagues should also do what they feel comfortable with. But it would be nice if pub owners would take a moment to reflect on the current situation and the high pressure in healthcare.”
Malu does not have many people in her area who have had corona. “But I know people in my circle of acquaintances who work in healthcare. I hear their stories. The hospital staff walk on their back legs. You read that every day in the newspaper.”
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Not very profitable
When asked, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland says that it has not yet heard from pubs that they do not open their terrace because of the high contamination. “There will undoubtedly be several entrepreneurs, but they have not reported to us”, says Robèr Willemsen.
Most entrepreneurs especially want to get back to work, says the chairman of the hospitality association. “Even if they don’t do it for the money.
Difficult to maintain
The terraces are allowed on Wednesday 12:00 to 18:00 open. According to Malu, enforcement is difficult. “I would have found a better time at 8 pm. Then the drink sales will stop and it is easier to get people home. Now the staff has to send guests home at 6 pm. It’s not that easy.”
When does she want to open with her terrace? “If the figures are better and the pressure on healthcare really diminishes. We look at it from week to week. If it can be done responsibly, we will certainly open again.”
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