Why can’t we just go back to normal
As reported by the Groninger Ondernemers Courant, the head of the Groninger City Club Eric Bos says: “the government’s measures to provide some relief in the lockdown are completely inadequate. It is great that there are more opportunities for small specialty shops and contact professions. But for the catering industry it is bitter that the terraces are not yet allowed to open, and larger stores are also not getting anywhere. I understand the measures, but do not understand them”.
According to the GCC chairman, it is understandable that the cabinet must maneuver cautiously, but the measures that have now been taken are, according to him, much less than is possible.
“I am pleased that there is more room for specialist shops to make appointments for remote shopping. An appointment six times an hour: you can do something with that. But I had hoped for more ”, says Bos.
He goes on to say that it is of no use to the larger stores if only two customers can come per floor. “Of course, that is of no use to HEMA or C&A”.
According to the chairman of the City Club, it is very unfortunate that the terraces cannot be opened: “protocols have been drawn up by the catering industry so that people can sit safely on terraces. In fact, I think it is safer for people who are in town to sit on a terrace than to keep walking. If you keep enough distance between them, there is almost no risk of sitting on a terrace”.
According to Bos, one of the conclusions after the announcement of the measures by the cabinet is that the catering industry is really gone. “I therefore hope that the catering industry will be successful with the lawsuit they have filed”.
The GCC chairman once again calls for a pilot to be launched in Groningen with the opening of stores from eight in the morning to noon. “Groningen is really an ideal city to do such a test, also because the lines here are short and the contacts are good. At least give us the opportunity to do such a pilot. Perhaps then we will gain experience that can benefit the whole country, ”said the GCC chairman.
