Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Representative Hon. Neville Smith in a recent social media notice is appealing to local bar owners to attend a special virtual meeting being held today Sunday October 4th, 2020 at 8pm, in an attempt to cater to their needs as business owners.
The correspondence reads:
“To all bar owners this is Honourable Neville “Sheep” Smith. As you know that I continue to have your concerns heard and addressed by my Government amid Covid-19. As a result, I am inviting each bar owner to the first meeting which will be on Zoom to have you express your concerns with the view of having them addressed in an amicable manner that balances business and safety.
So please note that the Zoom meeting with all bar owners will be tomorrow (Sunday 4th October, 2020, @8 p.m.) The link for the meeting will be posted by this evening.”
Recently Hon. Smith in the House of Assembly spoke on the matter relating bars in the territory, stating that some bar owners feel targeted. He said:
“The bar owners feel as if they are being targeted. And I told them no… I must say I commend the bar owners for what they are doing. They have formed an association to come up with ideas, plans, and solutions instead of criticizing what the Government is doing. And that is what we need, people to come up with ideas, plans, and solutions; don’t just be out there complaining and making noise. Come up with ideas and plans and bring them forward. The Government doesn’t know it all, we are going to try our best,”
The first term legislator further shared some advice he has given bar owners. He said: “I explained to them-change your strategy, adapt, make some changes and I realize that they have done that. They brought some documents to me which I will share with members so we can sit down and revisit this whole deal.”
The planned meeting comes months after bar owners have had to close their doors. While many criticize the fact that restaurants are able to sell alcohol but bars are still closed, cutting out a large cross-section of business owners from earning a living.
Smith further added: “When you listen to people and you hear their concerns you understand where they are coming from and a lot of their cries are restaurants open why can’t a bar opened?”