The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown Measures on Restaurants in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Durban's restaurant industry contributed substantially to South Africa’s tourism economy, by catering for the various eating preferences of domestic and international tourists. Journalists reported the negative impact lockdown measures have had on restaurants in South Africa. This micro qualitative study is located in an upper-class suburb (Umhlanga) which is renowned for their variety of restaurants and cuisines available. The analysis of 15 in-depth interviews illustrates the economic impact of the lockdown regulations on restaurant employers and employees from March 2020 to July 2021. Data revealed that lockdown regulations such as the alcohol bans and the social distancing protocols were deterring factors for citizens not to dine out. The national curfew legislation during this year was also influential, but when curfews were eradicated, restaurant patronage remained at a minimal. The temporary and intermittent closure of restaurants and the alteration of dinein meals being sold as takeaway meals negatively impacted the revenue and profits of these businesses. Therefore, even well-established local restaurants and international franchises experienced substantial financial losses which resulted in many job losses and permanent closures. This micro study compliments and contributes to other studies on restaurants in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

Keywords

• covid-19
• lock down regulations
• durban restaurants
• alcohol ban
• closure of restaurants
• hospitality employees