A reduction in the maximum size for social gatherings and early closing by 10.30pm were among the measures announced recently by government.
And the States Assembly is set to debate proposals tomorrow which would make guidelines – such as the wearing of masks in certain indoor public spaces – legally enforceable.
Informal gatherings, including tables booked at hotels and restaurants, are limited to a maximum of ten people, while functions of up to 20 people are permitted subject to strict criteria for controlled events and gatherings.
Many hotels have been affected and, in at least one case, plans for a winter closure have been amended.
Oliver Appleyard, group sales and marketing manager for Seymour Hotels, said the decision had been taken to close the Merton Hotel six weeks ahead of schedule.
‘Quite simply the costs of keeping [the Merton] open are far too high, especially with the new restrictions on events,’ he said.
‘We’ve had to adapt our spaces to accommodate small gatherings of up to 20 people – we’ve given customers choice in terms of either cancelling their event, moving to next year or reducing their numbers and they’ve been very understanding.
‘Like everyone, we’d love to know how long these restrictions will be in place but we appreciate that this is a big unknown at the moment.’
Hotel La Place in St Brelade is set to remain open through the winter, although manager Tim Brooke said several functions had either been downsized, cancelled or postponed until next year.
‘We have to respect and enforce these new measures of Covid control, ensuring our team and guests are fully aware for the interest and wellbeing of the Island,’ he said. ‘Our measures of hygiene and awareness have been reinforced so we all stay safe and the business can remain open.’
Tim Phillips of the Club Hotel and Spa said some clients had been obliged to adjust their plans to hold separate smaller events on different days.
‘It’s disastrous timing and not ideal at all in the run-up to Christmas – thankfully we can cater for smaller events as we have four private spaces in different areas of the building, although this won’t make up for the larger gatherings by a long way.’
Mr Phillips added: ‘The support the community has shown so far this year has been amazing – most have been accepting of the operational changes and life goes on.’
The Dolan Hotels group has brought in its usual seasonal closures for the Hotel Cristina in St Lawrence and the Golden Sands in St Brelade, but plans to keep its flagship property, the Somerville Hotel in St Aubin, open through the winter.
Business development and marketing manager Alex Dolan said that good levels of trade from local customers, including staycations, had helped offset losses in trade from off-Island customers.
‘Levels of bookings have been good since we refurbished the [Somerville] restaurant and bar last winter,’ he said. ‘We’re not where we wanted to be, but we are keeping our heads above water for the moment.’
The government has announced that additional financial support will be available to hotels and other providers of accommodation for visitors for the period from October to April inclusive.
