BC RESTAURANT AND FOODSERVICES INDUSTRY
WORKING TO DEVELOP STRATEGY FOR REOPENING
Vancouver, BC ~ The British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) has assembled a world class group of British Columbia restaurant operators at the invitation of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to craft a plan that will allow for the reopening of British Columbia restaurants. The group includes a cross-section of independent restaurants, chains and franchises including both licensed and not licensed establishments.
This preliminary plan will be presented 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,” comments Ian Tostenson, CEO and President, BCRFA.
The group is evaluating all best practices that will be required for stage one of reopening. This first phase 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. It is likely that reopening will be a multi-stage process 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. Those will be outlined in the comprehensive protocols and action plans being developed.
“We believe that the industry will come out stronger, a little different. Restaurateurs will continue to have safety and the guest experience at heart,” further comments Tostenson. “It was humbling and gratifying to have received a call from Premier John Horgan encouraging the initiative taken by this group.”
In addition to this working group the BCRFA is soliciting comments and feedback from other industry professionals and business operators including collaboration with ABLE BC, BC Craft Brewers Guild, the BC Wine Institute and WorkSafe BC.
About the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
The BCRFA is the leading voice for industry to the Government in British Columbia. The organization has a well respected track record of collaborative issue management and innovative solutions in a complex industry. BCRFA programs and industry partnerships are designed to create growth and success for our 3000 members and the industry at large.
