With businesses in the hospitality industry crying out for custom at the moment, one might think that restaurateurs would be sticking closely to the age-old ‘the customer is always right’ mantra, but one Kerry establishment has shown that the line must be drawn somewhere – particularly when it comes to protecting the health and safety of others.
Detailing a recent conversation they had over an upcoming booking, owners at Dooley’s Waterfront Bar in Kerry recounted what went down when a customer threatened to cancel upon hearing that face masks would be a requirement.
‘Had a customer on phone tonight said would cancel reservation if our staff or customers are wearing masks! I accepted the cancellation immediately with gratitude! #StaySafe #WearAMask’
Had a customer on phone tonight said would cancel reservation if our staff or customers are wearing masks! I accepted the cancellation immediately with gratitude! #StaySafe #WearAMask
— DooleysWaterville (@DooleysWatervi1) August 30, 2020
Saying that ‘times have changed’, the restaurant has faced several challenging nights since reopening. A subsequent tweet from owners commented that ‘we need to contact trace not just for our staff but for the public’. This comes after staff encountered several customers wandering in and out of the restaurant at their leisure.
‘Another stressful night! People still walking in thinking they can have a look around NOT! Times have changed can’t just have random people walking around the restaurant or just using the rest rooms.’
Locals have commended the team for putting health and safety first, praising owners for their responsible decision making and promising to call in for another visit soon.
Header image via Facebook/Dooley’s Waterfront Bar & Restaurant
