The City of Cape Town launched an open-air dining experience in Bree Street in an effort to boost local eateries. Routes coming to the street were closed off to allow patrons to enjoy the full experience of dining and entertainment.
The initiative is meant to help the hospitality industry to recover from recent international travel bans and COVID-19.
The vibrant Bree Street is known as the culinary heart of the Mother City. It boasts classical restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The streets were closed off to allow patrons to enjoy the experience while local restaurants manage to make a profit.
City of Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis says it has been a tough two years for businesses.
“It has been a tough two years for business especially in hospitality. But now the weather is good people are out we hope this will encourage people to come and enjoy the experience.”
Local vendors believe they will benefit from economic spin-offs. They say they are happy for the opportunity.
Vendor Corrie Strydom says, “It’s been tough for us. We are happy to be here and have the opportunity to recover on what has been lost in the last two years”
Revelers say the experience is exciting. “We are happy to be here the experience is fun.”
“I haven’t been in a setting like this in a while. It’s so amazing. I don’t like the da but if the mayor continues like this we are going to get along really well.”
The City says this is a pilot test and it’s planning to implement more nighttime activities to boost the economy.
Today we’re shutting down Bree Street, come and join us! We will be closing down other streets across the CBD in an effort to boost our local economy and get Capetonians back to the CBD in a safe and family friendly manner. pic.twitter.com/98Hdd9hYtR
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) December 18, 2021
