Bar owners expected more than the amount they were given to make up for the months they had to close shop, although they admit “it was better than nothing at all”.
Others were satisfied, saying that, when added to other benefits from schemes such as those covering rent, utility tariffs and employees’ wages, the latest assistance was of great help.
The government last week announced new COVID-19 mitigation measures that include an extension on the closure of bars throughout February, a €2.2 million aid package for bar owners and an 11pm curfew for restaurants.
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo announced that bars can apply for a one-time payment of up to €2,870 to offset five months of shutdown.