July 14, 2010 - The impact of the G20 Summit was felt well outside the downtown core, according to a survey of Toronto restaurant owners conducted by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).
Ninety-three per cent of downtown respondents and 73 per cent in the rest of the city reported a "significant decrease" in sales between June 21 and June 30, compared to the same period in 2009, the association said in a release.
"The impact of the G20 Summit on Toronto restaurants was far deeper and more widespread than many people expected," stated Garth Whyte, CRFA president and CEO. "Our focus now is on ensuring that our members are fairly compensated for their business losses."
Survey respondents indicated:
· Sales at downtown restaurants dropped by an average of 55 per cent during the Summit week (June 21 - June 30) compared to the same period in 2009;
· 51 per cent closed their businesses during the Summit due to concerns about the safety of their staff and customers;
· 42 per cent reported that staff were unable to get to work due to Summit disruptions.
· One third of downtown respondents were not aware of the federal government's compensation program for losses related to the G20 Summit.
· Only one per cent reported a significant increase in sales during the G20 Summit.
According to the government guidelines for compensation, only businesses that remained open during the Summit are eligible, the CRFA said. Ottawa has not yet indicated which areas of the city will be eligible for compensation, and what period of time will be eligible for claims.
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