After the month-long closure, businesses are eager to return to greater capacities and welcome people to drink and eat inside again. Nevertheless, many owners report that a great number of uncertainties still plague them when it comes to the rapid tests. Furthermore, there are worries that not enough people will be willing to go through the process just for a simple dinner.
Our colleagues from RTL Radio talked to a few business owners ahead of the grand reopening. Alain Magini, who runs a restaurant in Frisange, noted that he already heard from clients that they do not plan on undergoing the rapid tests, but instead would prefer to stay on the terrace, or even at home altogether.
Pascale Buchner, restaurant owner from Schifflange, talked about the open questions regarding the testing process, a list that is still considerably long: can people bring their own tests? If yes, how can anyone check when it was conducted? Do guest have to wait outside while awaiting test results, or can they already be seated? What should be done in case a result is positive and panic breaks out at an establishment?
According to the most recent public health mandate, guests will have to wait outside until a negative test result is produced. They are allowed to bring their own tests, but have to conduct them at their establishment of choice. While some restaurants do have the necessary infrastructure to offer separate rooms for that process, others can only establish small stations outside their front doors. Business owners are therefore afraid that people will shy away from what may turn out to be a chaotic process.
Should that be the case, some will consider closing their restaurants again. Others have a more optimistic view of the situation, hoping that the government decision offers them a chance to return to business.
For the initial phase of the reopening, restaurants have received free rapid tests from the government. Once these stocks are used up, businesses will be free to decide how to handle the costs of the tests. Some will make them free of charge for clients, while others will add them to the bill at an expected rate of €3 per test.
