Business owners steel themselves for impact of Alberta's new COVID-19 restrictions

Business owners and employees across Calgary are digesting the impacts of Alberta's widespread new COVID-19 restrictions, aimed to bend the curve on the province's steadily growing case numbers.

As of Sunday, restaurants, pubs and bars will close to in-person service, while entertainment and recreation facilities from movie theatres to gyms, personal and wellness services like spas and hair salons will close entirely. The restrictions will be in place until at least Jan. 12.

• Alberta imposes tough new restrictions in bid to curb soaring COVID-19 infections

Ernie Tsu, a board member with the Alberta Hospitality Association and owner of Trolley 5 pub, said the measures are a hard hit to restaurants and bars right before the holidays. 

"It's going to be very tough for us to have to look at our staff, as we have to lay off coming around the corner here. Christmas is usually the best season for every restaurant and local pub," Tsu said. 

The association said in a release that while the organization acknowledge's the government's effort to provide several days advance notice "for the industry to pivot yet again," a definitive end to current measures and a proper timeline for a return to normal is needed. 

The provincial government said to support struggling businesses, it would expand its small and medium business relaunch grant, to make up to 15,000 more businesses eligible for funding. Businesses can now receive 15 per cent of pre-pandemic monthly revenues up to a maximum of $15,000. 

Additional business supports are available through the federal government, like Canada's emergency wage subsidy program — that's been used more by Albertans than any other province.