Restaurants Rely on Double Allocation of Tables

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Since the end of the lockdown, many restaurants have reassigned the tables twice in one evening. Readers complain about the practice. The industry is defending itself.

After the lockdown in Switzerland, many restaurants introduced double seating of the tables in the evening. From Wednesday to Saturday there is a table at 6 or 8.30 p.m. “We have to see where we can get with the federal distance rules,” says a restaurant owner.

That’s what it’s about

• Since the stains reopened, many companies have now opted for double tables in the evening.
• In some cases you can only reserve a table at around 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
• Many guests are annoyed about the procedure.
• The companies defend themselves: This would reduce the losses caused by the corona regulations.
• The Swiss Gastro Association actually recommends double seating for restaurants.
Since the end of the corona lockdown, the restaurants have been allowed to reopen under strict federal guidelines. However, the new hygiene rules, such as the 2-meter distance between the tables, ensure significantly lower occupancy. In order to compensate for the loss and survive, more and more companies are introducing double seating.

It takes around 30 minutes

after the first reservation, shift to prepare the table for the next guests. For example, disinfect the tables, menus, and chairs. Therefore, the guests of the first shift should get up at 7.45 p.m. if the restaurant is fully booked. But try to offer seats in the lounge to guests who want to stay longer.
The double allocation of tables is one way of increasing sales. The procedure has long been common in other countries and is also not new in Switzerland.
“For many establishments, a profitable operation is not possible under the applicable conditions with additional costs.” However, the companies are happy to be there for the guests again and to be able to give the employees a perspective.