With rents back up, limitations on indoor seating and increasing overheads, the owner of The Beer Cave has spoken out against the “frustrating situation” facing many business owners in the catering sector.

“As a bar/restaurant owner, I am disappointed by the measures that were taken to help the catering industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Estelle Degiorgio explains on her Facebook page, explaining that the Government grants were not enough to cover rent, water and electricity bills, as well as daily expenses. 

Worryingly – and reflecting statements given by other small entrepreneurs – Ms Degiorgio explained the “constant battling” with her landlord to lower the rent.

“I still needed their help and they mine, during these months, so I forked out money to keep them happy and work's going on for the reopening,” she said, also noting that “the wage supplement for most my staff was not approved or applied for, since they're all my age (18-25) and still study. They receive stipend and were not eligible for the wage supplement scheme.”

And, now – “after all this struggle and work put into this project” - with the partial lifting of measures, the business will only be permitted to put one barrel-table out for customers to use during the day. “So much work, for a complete downfall,” she bitterly said.

“No one inside. One single barrel outside. At night I will probably have around four barrels with four people on each. How is this income going to contribute to my high rent? How am I meant to live? And my staff? Are people going to pass by the little shack I'll set up outside my door to drink? Is this the right time to drink and spend money?”, she said.

Indeed, although she will be able to operate from Friday, this does not mean the end to her struggles. “No regulations have been discussed re future rent after COVID or if rent should be halved or completely removed during the COVID period. Opening my doors doesn’t mean I will have a flow of people,” she explained.

She also said no grants were available for her business and instead, she was advised towards taking a loan from local banks with lower interest rates to cope with the accumulated rent.

“How does the Government expect small businesses to survive this period?” she said, also decrying the time-line the authorities gave between the lifting of measures and businesses re-opening.

Indeed, speaking to other business owners in Valletta today, she said “everyone was angered by the instant regulations and measurements imposed all within five days. Yes, measurements need to be taken and I agree but, at least, if you want to help the people, regulate rent rates and advise people two weeks beforehand of the [new] regulations not five days.”

Despite this, she pledged to keep fighting. “I will carry on The Beer Cave brand. If not in the current cave, get ready for another awesome venue (right after I pay off my debt). I am still opening on Friday, and I'm hoping that my landlord will realise that there is no way I can cope with these expenses,” she explained, ending by asking everyone to “pray for the cave.”