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Fed up restaurateurs and restaurant workers are preparing to march on NYC Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office on 28 September in protest of strict Covid measures, which they feel are placing the city's independent restaurants and bars in jeopardy.
Fox Lifestyle Hospitaity Group, who are behind the march, are demanding that the Restaurants Act gets passed, that outdoor dining in NYC gets extended beyond 31 October, and that restaurants are able to have 50% indoor dining, instead of an initial 25% in order to align with the rest of NY state.
The group, which owns restaurants such as White Oak Tavern and Sapien Foods in NoHo issued a statement saying: “Winter is coming, and we do not have a comprehensive plan for independent restaurants.” Highlighting the real threat to local businesses and livelihoods, it said: “It’s been estimated that 2/3 of NYC restaurants will permanently close — that’s your neighbourhood bar, favourite date spot, where you spend time with your family and friends, all gone.”
"We are diverse, hard working, innovative, community-oriented citizens, relying on these jobs for our livelihoods. Most of us are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. This is why we are marching - to feed our families, to honour the dreams of mom and pop businesses and to keep NYC alive."
The march is due to take place on 28 September at 11 a.m., in front of 330 E. 38 St., finishing at Governor Cuomo’s office at 633, Third Ave.
This is the second such march, with dozens of industry workers having already marched on City Hall on 14 September in protest over Covid-19 restrictions.
