A group representing independent restaurants, chains, and franchises will present a preliminary plan to the province next week

By Jon Manchester

B.C. restaurants are working on a strategy for reopening.

The British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association, at the invitation of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, is crafting a plan that will allow for the reopening of the province's restaurants.

The group includes a cross-section of independent restaurants, chains and franchises, who will present a preliminary plan to the province next week.

“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,” says BCRFA president Ian Tostenson.

The group is evaluating best practices for a first stage of reopening, with stepped adherence to physical distancing protocols that could be lessened with time.

Operators will be working together to set standards that they can all adhere to for the safety of their customers and teams.

"We will likely see operations unlike anything we have ever experienced before, but these steps will be necessary as we slowly build public confidence and new strict operational disciplines," said Tostenson.

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

The BCRFA is also soliciting feedback from other industry professionals, including the BC Craft Brewers Guild, the BC Wine Institute, and WorkSafe BC.

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