Battlefords residents have access to VLT's at several locations once again, after the province allowed for further easing of restrictions Monday. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Keeping perspective

Mixed impact on restaurants from VLT’s and capacity changes

Jul 6, 2020 | 4:45 PM

With more restrictions being lifted, Battlefords residents have more opportunities for entertainment, but restaurant owners say things may not look that different for their business’ bottom line.

Indoor pools and rinks can open and restaurants and bars will have expanded capacity, assuming social distancing standards are met. Features like pool tables, darts and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) are a go, the latter of which is big news for owners like Blend Restaurant & Bar’s Robin Petersen.

“It’s a totally different revenue stream than the restaurant and alcohol,” he said. “So, it’s definitely going to give a boost to all the businesses with VLT’s.”

The province is also boosting the VLT commission to restaurants by 15 to 25 per cent until January, which could provide much needed revenue.

“We’ve got about half of our machines available right now,” Petersen said. “We’ll have all of them running soon, with dividers for customer safety.”

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While its good news, Peterson is putting the expanded capacity into perspective. He said it doesn’t change current volume, since the social distances that need to be maintained won’t allow for any extra tables without some real creativity.

“We won’t be 100 per cent capacity,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any way to do that.”

However, he said the effect of hearing that restaurants are being given the go ahead to expand where possible could entice some residents previously hesitant to dine out.

“You have some confidence if the government is saying it’s ok to come out and eat, have full capacity and you’re going to be safe,” Petersen said. “I think that should give some people more confidence to come out.”

Laszlo Horvath of Boston Pizza said they also aren’t particularly affected by the latest Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan expansions.

“We’re already at a point where we’re at the specified distance between tables and we’re basically as full as we can be right now, with social distancing rules,” he said.

“Every stage that comes through, there’s a little more relaxation on protocol.”

For now, Horvath is content with the gradual easing of regulations.

“I think the safety of the community is more important right now than a few more seats at this point.”

Susan Kwon, owner of Beaver Hotel, said she expects the VLT’s to help pick up volume of people coming in to the bar, after being unable to do so for three months.

“But we will have to see, as we’re just starting [up again].”

Until they are allowed to fill the premises, Kwon doesn’t expect business to improve significantly.

“We are picking up a little bit, but I don’t think it will be what it was before,” she said.

Kwon added the best news they can get is that of COVI-19 infections dropping off.

“I don’t want to hear bad news about it anymore,” she said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports