Restaurants to present reopening plan to province

The B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association will present its preliminary plan for the reopening of restaurants to the provincial government next week.

The plan, developed by a group of B.C. restaurant operators, is designed to slowly build public confidence and to implement new strict operational policies.

“We recognize that it is imperative that the plan has to address consumer and employee confidence while ensuring significant public safety. It is our intention to exceed both,” said Ian Tostenson, CEO and president of the 3,000-member BCRFA.

The reopening is expected to be a multi-stage process with increased physical distancing protocols that could be lessened with time.

“Operators will be working together to set standards they can all adhere to for the safety of their customers and teams. Those will be outlined in the comprehensive protocols and action plans being developed,” said Tostenson.

Tostenson said it was humbling and gratifying to get a call from Premier John Horgan encouraging the initiative taken by their group.

“We believe that the industry will come out stronger, a little different. Restaurateurs will continue to have safety and the guest experience at heart,” commented Tostenson.

The working group for the BCRFA is also seeking feedback from other industry professionals and business operators including collaboration with ABLE BC, BC Craft Brewers Guild, the BC Wine Institute and WorkSafe BC.

The working group includes a cross-section of independent restaurants, chains and franchises including both licensed and not licensed establishments, and was formed at the invitation of provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.