Bar Assoc: At least ten bars won't reopen

Some bars have had to close down entirely after the covid19 lockdown, the Bar Owners/Operators Association of TT (BOATT) has said.

Bars were among the businesses, services and places allowed to reopen in the fifth phase of TT’s reopening.

The Prime Minister announced at a press conference on June 20 that bars, cinemas and members' clubs were to reopen on June 22. Beaches, rivers, amusement parks and the zoo have also reopened.

But interim BOATT president Teron Mohan said on Monday that ten of the association’s 300 members could not reopen at all and were dissolving their businesses since they were unable to make the required changes, and could not restock.

“A lot of them have old goods on hand that they have not been able to get rid of or do anything about it. So repurchasing inventory now poses a very, very serious problem,” he said in a phone interview.

Those ten bars were the ones the association knew about. Mohan said there could be more, as TT has about 5,000 bars.

Some of those which have reopened have opted to do things like host karaoke in the hope of boosting business. He said once they are able to do it in a way that complies with the limited seating arrangements, that is fine.

Mohan wished Government could do more or pay more attention to small businesses.

Apart from bars, Mohan knew of other small businesses that were unable to reopen.

“There are stores in the mall that had to shut down entirely. The malls have a lot of vacant spots coming up because the businesses just could not go on. They could not brave the tide,” he said.

The association wants attention paid to taxes since bars, especially those with gaming, pay heavy taxes.

“Up to now, there has not been much information going around and people don’t know what to do...as it regards taxation obligations.”

He said small businesses have suffered and continue to suffer as the country eases out of covid19 lockdown.

While his bars have completely reopened, he was only able to retain 50 per cent of his staff at both businesses. Mohan is the general manager of Darin’s Sports Lounge, Majuba Crossroads, Petit Valley and Bobby D’s, Crystal Stream, Diego Martin.

He said “the one blessing” is that the public is adhering to the guidelines.

“We are up and running and we have had some customers come here so far and they have been completely compliant where the mask-wearing and stuff is concerned...patrons have been fully compliant with the regulations since opening,” he said.

He said the government-mandated 10 pm closing time “is not too bad.”