The Hong Kong government announced 4 operations models for restaurants yesterday. Each model came with a set of requirements and impact on restaurant operations. Bars too, have a set of requirements and limitations should they want to finally open their doors.
While lots of uncertainty remains, some light is beginning to be shed on the allowance of multiple zones within one restaurant premise to accommodate different operations models. Here is what we know about these operations models:
Restaurant Operations Model Type A
This model is the most lenient with no requirements when it comes to vaccination, testing or check-in. However, it is very limiting when it comes to operations.
Requirements:
- Restaurant staff do not need to vaccinated and do not need to be tested for COVID-19
- Diners do not need to check in at the restaurant
Impact on Operations:
- Dining-in is allowed up till 6 pm
- The restaurant can operate at 50% of its full capacity
- The restaurant can host a maximum of 2 diners per table
Restaurant Operations Model B
Most restaurants have adopted the requirements to operate at this level today.
Requirements:
- Restaurant staff do not need to be vaccinated but must test negative for COVID-19 every 14 days
- Diners must check-in at the restaurant either via the “Leave Home Safe” app or fill in the manual form
Impact on Operations:
- Dining-in is allowed up till 10 pm
- The restaurant can operate at 50% of its full capacity
- The restaurant can host a maximum of 4 diners per table
Restaurant Operations Model C
With this new model, additional requirements on vaccination of staff and the use of the “Leave Home Safe” app are introduced. In exchange, dining is allowed till midnight and restaurants can host parties up to 6 persons per table.
Requirements:
- Restaurant staff must have taken at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot
- Diners must check-in at the restaurant via the “Leave Home Safe” app and manual form registration is not allowed
Impact on Operations:
- Dining-in is allowed up till 12 am
- The restaurant can operate at 50% of its full capacity
- The restaurant can host a maximum of 6 diners per table
Restaurant Operations Model D
It may be challenging to adopt this model immediately considering only 6.9% of the population have taken both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to date. However, this model hints at pre-COVID-19 “normal”
Requirements:
- Restaurant staff must have taken both shots of a COVID-19 vaccine
- Diners must have taken at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot
- Diners must check-in at the restaurant via the “Leave Home Safe” app and manual form registration is not allowed
Impact on Operations:
- Dining-in is allowed up till 2 am
- The restaurant can operate at 75% of its full capacity
- The restaurant can host a maximum of 8 diners per table
Bar Operations Model
Bars can finally open, after being shut since November 2020. They will however face stringent requirements in order to operate.
Requirements:
- Bar staff must have taken at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot
- Patrons must have taken at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot
- Patrons must check-in at the restaurant via the “Leave Home Safe” app
Impact on Operations:
- Operations is allowed up till 2 am
- The bar can operate at 50% of its full capacity
- The bar can host a maximum of 2 diners per table
Operating on Multiple Models (for Restaurants only)
Restaurants that have partially or fully met the requirements for model B, C or D can choose to operate on multiple models within a single premise.
For example, a restaurant with staff who have completed both shots of their COVID-19 vaccine may choose to create zones for model B, C and D so that, depending on the vaccination status of diners and their willingness to use the “Leave Home Safe” app, they can apply different the operating hours, seating capacities and maximum party sizes to each zone.
It is important that restaurants remain clear about the zones in which diners belong. Consider issuing coloured stickers to diners to differentiate zones or clearly marking tables with tent cards. While operating on multiple models will allow flexibility in terms of allowing guests that meet more stringent requirements to dine in till later or to dine in larger groups, restaurants must maintain a plan that indicates zoning. Restaurants that use a Table Management System like Chope’s can simply provide screenshots of their table plan to officials to indicate zoning.
To provide clarity to diners, Chope will be including operations models alongside restaurant listings on our website. If you are keen to list your restaurant’s operations model on our website, click here.
