Customers, Operators, react to Resumption of Dine-In Services in Lagos State

Following the Lagos State Government’s directives that restaurants and fast food outlets can operate dine-in services from August 14, some customers and restaurant operators in Lagos have expressed delight and happiness.

Assistant Operations Manager, Mega Chicken Restaurants Ltd, Mr David Fafemi said they started recording an increase in patronage since the resumption of dine-in services a few days ago. Fafemi added that the restaurant adopted some strategies to cope with the reduced patronage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a more efficient delivery service.

According to him, “The patronage is still low but we hope in weeks to come, things will pick up gradually,” he said. Fafemi, however, observed that in spite of the guidelines being met and measures put in place, some customers were still afraid to dine-in.

“Whichever they prefer, we have put safety precautions in place. We have followed the guidelines given to us by the Lagos government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),” he said.

According to a report from a source present at Mega Chicky restaurant Festac Town outlet said that automated hand sanitizers, wash hand bowls, soap, water, infrared thermometers were provided.

Among other COVID-19 protocols complied with at the restaurant were signages guiding customers and floor markings, two meters apart, signifying where they should stand. A Customer, Mr. Kamal Ibrahim said that he missed the social gathering and dining in, adding that even with the physical distancing at the restaurant, it was still an awesome experience.

Ibrahim, who said it was his second time dining in since the gradual ease of the lockdown, said he felt safe eating out because of the COVID-19 protocols observed by the restaurants.

“From the entry point, no one is allowed to enter without a face mask, there’s an automated hand sanitizer, so you don’t need to touch anything, there were also people to guide you on what to do. “They’ve tried to ensure there’s no contact among customers. The table arrangement is for one or two people only and the staff are also wearing face masks,” he said.

Meanwhile another customer, Mr Ugo Ewelaku, said it was more convenient for him to eat in rather than taking food back with him to office. Ewelaku, who said it was his first time eating out since the ease of the lockdown on restaurants, was happy because the economy was picking up.

While speaking he commended the state government for efforts being made to open up the economy so that businesses were not grounded. “As much as we are trying to be safe, we must look at the economy as well, we must reach a balance. So, if all of us are alive and we have nothing to eat, it’s a problem. “The law is there, people do not have option but to comply,” he said.