South bars and restaurants closed

Popular nightclubs and bars in south Trinidad, such as The Rig, Liv, Tantra and Space La Nouba are now closed for business after Monday’s news conference at which the Prime Minister outlined several policy decisions to curb the spread of the covid19.

Promotions manager at The Rig in La Romaine, and Tantra at Erin Road, Debe, Shawn Leonard, said both nightclubs will be closed for the 14-day period outlined by Dr Rowley.

“We have been experiencing a slow season since Carnival, and we were hoping to pick up the speed and run the businesses during the month of April, but we have to deal with the issue of covid19.”

Since the news broke that the covid19 was present in TT, he said patrons started staying away.

Leonard said the clubs will incur losses, but since the entertainment industry is affected worldwide owners now have to cut losses and move forward.

“We had a lot radio and television advertisements running for weekend entertainment shows and we had to stop the adverts and announce that the bars are closed until further notice.

The Rig restaurant, he said, will now be running their take-away service where people can order food and pick up at an outside counter. “We will not be entertaining any indoor dining for the next two weeks.”

Manager of Space La Nouba in La Romaine, Richard Persad, said business at the bars have slowed down tremendously within the last five days.

“We had several upcoming shows in April which we have cancelled due to concerns on the spread of covid19.”

Persad said that the casinos and Play Whe outlets are seeing more people than the nightclubs and bars in south.

“The Prime Minister called for 25 or less people in public places, but the casinos are still operating.”

Manager of Krave Restaurant, Damion Persad, said his restaurant services a lot of businesses and homes in San Fernando and Marabella. “We have since spoken to our chefs, offering to run a take-away service but we have no choice but to close the restaurant for the time being.”

Rio Claro businessman Nigel Persad said the area saw few people shopping. “While the covid19 has affected the business community, we are hoping that no more TT nationals are affected by this virus.”

Persad said the bars and restaurants in Rio Claro have closed their doors and are adhering to the call from Rowley.