With Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley scheduled to address the nation tomorrow regarding government’s position on COVID-19 restrictions, the Bar Owners and Operators Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOATT) is holding hope that there will be a relaxation of current restrictions on the food and beverage sector.

“Restaurants and Bars throughout the country have reinvented themselves, formed alliances, simulated situations, gone through rigorous trainings and formulated safety measures and protocols. For us, it’s not about selling something but trying to solve something during this social and economic downturn so we can all come out better in the end.” BOATT said in a statement on Friday afternoon. 

At his last update two Saturdays ago, Dr. Rowley urged the sector for their continued patience, saying government had taken a decision to maintain the restrictions at that point due to the fact that masks cannot be warn while in bars/restaurants. 

BOATT reiterates its call for that strengthened monitoring can enforce compliance while permitting the sector to earn income. 

“We would like the COVID Unit which comprises of Public Health Inspectors and police officers be allowed to enforce the Public Health regulations and guidelines so as to ensure full and proper adherence. They must be very vigilant and firm in the executions of their duties on non-compliant businesses, this is the only way Trinidad and Tobago can move forward and win the battle against COVID 19,” it said.