PETER CHRISTOPHER
Bar owners may not have a date for the reopening of their establishments but they are making preparations for that day.
In a release yesterday The Barkeepers & Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) announced that 100% of their membership had been vaccinated while they estimated that more than two thirds of the bar industry has done the same.
BOATT said in the release, “We are almost there!!! The Barkeepers & Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health had its day of vaccination recently. We can proudly say that 100% of our membership is vaccinated and the total vaccinated within the bar industry presently stands at approximately 70% with vaccinations continuing daily.”
Bars, along with restaurants were closed on April 29. While Restaurants were allowed to resume curbside pick up and delivery service two weeks ago, there has been no word yet on the bar industry.
However BOATT expressed optimism in the release.
“It has been a harsh and challenging sixteen (16) months, but we are finally seeing the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, now is not the time to be nitpicking about the past or present situations but it’s a time to
encourage, show and promote your willingness and readiness to serve and operate in the ‘New Normal’,” BOATT said.
The association also encouraged the public “to have confidence in the vaccine regime” and they called on all businesses in all sectors to encourage the vaccination process.
“Vaccination coupled with full adherence and enforcement of the 3 W’s (Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance) is the only way the citizens who are currently jobless can regain their dignity, calm their mental stability, and once again feel part of society and contribute to the economic growth of Trinidad and Tobago and where businesses can once again flourish,” BOATT said.