Hospo veteran warns many cafes will go under

A 25 year veteran of the cafe industries is warning Covid restrictions under Level 2 will see cafes and restaurants fall like nine pins. Paul Baker is the General Manager of Vivace Espresso which has two cafes, and a roastery which supplies hundreds of cafes and restaurants around the country. Under the Level 2 rules outlined by the Prime Minister last week, cafes will not be able to have counterfood or counter service - all customers must be seated, tables separated, with a single server. Paul Baker says this will see operating costs go through the roof and he questions whether cafes can increase prices any further.