Kelowna pub takes COVID-19 hit, shuts down for the winter
A well-known Kelowna Mexican pub is shutting down for the winter, citing COVID-19 restrictions as the cause.
"It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to temporarily close Fernando’s Pub for the winter months, effective Oct. 24," the established posted on its Facebook page. "While not an easy decision, COVID-19 restrictions have hit the restaurant and entertainment industries especially hard, and although we support the provincial government’s public health orders, we believe it is the responsible choice for our business and community to shut our doors for now."
The bar plans to reopen in the spring with new outdoor seating and live music. It will remain open until next Saturday from 4-10 p.m. each night.
Last month, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered that liquor sales cease by 10 p.m. for bars and restaurants.
READ MORE: No relief in sight for businesses in B.C. wanting to serve liquor past 10 p.m.
Ian Tostenson, CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association warned that we would see more of this.
“B.C.’s restaurant industry was already in a fragile state, with about 50 per cent of businesses not sure they’ll make it to the end of the year,” he said after Dr. Henry's announcement. “Dr. Henry’s verbal order led to an immediate 30 per cent decline in revenue for our industry — even though the vast majority of businesses are meeting or exceeding all health protocols and have invested thousands of dollars to provide a safe serving environment. This is crazy.”
READ MORE: Kelowna pub puts political stamp on bill, saying 'vote that f*cker out'
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