SHEESHA café owners have expressed their heartache over having to stay closed for a further month as a result of a recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
Last Thursday’s much-awaited opening, alongside dine-in options at restaurants, was postponed and many fear the delay could spell the end of their businesses.
The reopening is now scheduled for October 24, subject to review, announced the Government Executive Committee chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
A petition has been signed by 100 sheesha-serving outlet owners and submitted to the Cabinet. They are seeking additional financial support and have made a plea to cut short the closure order by two weeks to October 12.
It comes amid mounting expenses and an inability to pay staff wages, ministers have been told.
In total 107 cafés across the kingdom have shut shop forever after going bust as a result of measures needed to curtail the spread of the virus which meant they were unable to operate. ‘For sale’ signs have been placed outside many properties.
Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who is also Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) board member, said the extended closure had proved to be a ‘hard blow’ to cafés and restaurants.
“In preparation for reopening, many outlets serving sheesha had ordered new furniture and carried out massive cleaning operations on the basis they would make up some of their losses in the immediate future,” he said.
“Having already been closed for more than six months, this further setback has put them under an enormous financial strain.
“The numbers of new Covid-19 cases were high but now appear to be dropping daily, so why not reconsider shortening the period by two weeks or offering further financial support?”
Mr Al Salloom, who is also the chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and Bahrain Parliamentary Bloc president, said cafés and restaurants were ready and waiting to reopen under strict conditions.
“Every safety measure has been taken on board, using international best-practice, for the resumption of services,” he explained.
Among the finer details, sheesha will be bought and taken to the premises by each customer, while disposable equipment will be provided, alongside all necessary precautionary and hygiene requirements.
“We are speaking about legitimate businesses and they need to survive after the original 500 have shrunk to 393 and God knows how many would remain open after October 24,” added Mr Al Salloom.
Outlet owners’ spokesman Fouad Al Nakkal said many restaurants and cafés have not reopened because without sheesha there are no profits to be made, even for those offering popular food and drinks.
“People come for sheesha first and then maybe enjoy a snack but, without the sheesha service, there are no customers,” he said.
Investment
“I spent hundreds of dinars dusting and cleaning my place. I’ve even changed the furniture and thrown out old equipment on the basis that there would be a return of investment this week.
“Sanitisers, gloves, masks, head caps and all equipment needed for the safety of our workers and customers have been purchased.
“The heartbreak of closure now continues and the fear is that we could be forced to close down for good unless we can reopen soon. Hopefully our plea to the leadership will be heard and acted upon.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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