Meanwhile, the night life on the well-patronised Avenue-Ariapita Avenue-has come to a halt.
In some cases, people are still trying to get what little time afforded to them. An owner of three restaurants/bars on the Avenue, who wished not be named, said he has only one establishment open at present. The other two, he said, have not been opened since the Government announced the state of emergency on August 22. "Even though it is difficult, we are abiding by the laws because we said it is a small price and sacrifice to make for the reduction in crime." The business owner said while there is a significant loss of revenue, especially for hourly-paid workers, he has taken the decision to send his workers on paid vacation.
Asked if he could sustain such a great gesture if the SoE and curfew are extended, he said, "No."
"If that happens, it would be a serious debt blow, considering I employ 185 workers in the three establishments." He said it would also impact on secondary employment including delivery services, the maintenance staff and servicemen. "We could absorb two weeks, but nothing more." He said they have moved from being busy to having no customers. He noted that workers have rent, mortgage and other bills to pay. So to facilitate some of his staff, he opens one of his restaurant/bars from 1 pm to 7 pm, but still there is very little activity.
Don Ross, manager of Levels Ultra Bar and Lounge at the corner of Ariapita Avenue and Taylor Street, said their customers base moved from about 300 over the weekend to a mere 60. He said they try to keep the minimum 40 hours work week schedule to accommodate the employees, even though the popular restaurant and bar was not raking in as much. Levels, he said, is opening from 11 am to 6 pm, but with the extension of the curfew, they are hoping that the Government changes the curfew to 12 am to 5 am.