So, with the next round of Anne Arundel County restrictions due to take place on Wednesday at 5 pm, restaurant owners are trying to figure out how to weather yet another storm. As they were already severely compromised at a 25% capacity limit, this next round of shut-downs could be the nail in the coffin that so many had hoped to avoid.
This 4-week shutdown could not have come at a worse time for the restaurant industry. Business usually picks up during the holidays and customers tend to be a little more generous with their gratuities. This Christmas bonus is now off the table.
The profit margin for most restaurants is very thin. They rely on a large volume to make money. Since the COVID restrictions kicked in earlier this year, many local restaurants have been operating at a loss. Although it might seem like a bad business decision to continue to do this, these restaurants are desperately trying to retain their respective customer base during these trying times. Closing their doors for the next few months might save them some money in the short term. However, by doing this, they risk losing their regular customers when (or if) things ever get back to normal.
Another huge profit maker for restaurants is alcohol sales. Although these businesses were granted permission to sell take-out alcohol, most customers will choose to grab a 6-pack of beer or a bottle of wine at the local liquor store.
Most restaurant owners have played by the rules. And many have taken on additional expenses by purchasing outdoor tents and heating supplies. With outdoor dining now being banned, these purchases will translate into another loss for the owners.
Although they don't fit into the category of traditional restaurants, social clubs are allowed to remain open at 25% capacity. However, they can not serve food or drinks. So basically, you can meet up with your Army buddies at the local VFW, but you are prohibited from knocking back a PBR and a bag of beer nuts. There's just something fundamentally wrong with telling a veteran that he can't have a beer at his local VFW post.
Also, bowling alleys are limited to 25% with not food or beverage service. I bowled in a league not so long ago. Speaking for myself (and quite a few others), bowling and beer go together much like baseball and hot dogs. I bowled some of my best games after indulging in a few adult beverages. But that's a conversation for another day.
But seriously, people have to eat. Why are food and drinks prohibited at these places? Are they afraid that people will drop their mask momentarily to devour a few nachos? It's the inconsistencies that really drive me nuts with these restrictions.
And casinos are allowed to remain open at 25% (with no food/beverage service). Now, if there's one thing that is absolutely essential during a pandemic, it's gambling. See what I mean about the inconsistency?
Gyms will also be allowed to operate at 25% capacity. However, you must wear a mask during you're workout. I have a hard enough time breathing while my fat ass labors on a treadmill without a mask. The mask mandate in the gym gives me the perfect excuse to camp out on my couch with a bowl of Cheez-Its.
On a positive note, there is supposed to be some extra money coming to restaurants as part of a $10 million Restaurant & Food Service Grant Program. Additionally, annual restaurant fees (due in February) are being waived. Whether it will be enough is the big question.
With all of this being said, please do what you can to support the restaurants and other small businesses in your community. With Christmas right around the corner, restaurant gift cards will make the perfect gift and also help the local business owners. If you're having a small gathering, consider ordering food from these local businesses. These places are the fabric of our communities. And the folks that own and work at these places are our friends and neighbors. Let's continue to do what we can to help them out.
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