AK, Taupo businesses disappointed at Red alert post Xmas

Auckland hospitality businesses say the move to Orange on the 30th of December is too little too late for them. Yesterday the Prime Minister made the announcement that all regions in Red would move to Orange from 11.59pm on the 30th of December excluding Northland. Under the current "red" traffic light setting, hospitality businesses can have up to 100-people if they show their vaccine pass on entry. They're also required to maintain a one-metre social distance. However, at Orange there are no limits on the number of vaccinated people allowed to gather as long as everyone presents a vaccination pass. Commercial and events manager at Soul Bar and Bistro, Olivia Carter, says yesterday's announcement doesn't bring much hope for Auckland hospitality businesses who can't hold on much longer. At the Park Hyatt Hotel in Auckland bookings are already down 30 percent compared to last year. General Manager Brett Sweetman says they are hugely disapointed Auckland won't be moving to orange sooner. Aryan Soin is the general manager and part owner of Sapphire Nightclub in central Auckland. They can't open at Red but he says they'll be expecting big crowds come New Year's Eve. Vaughan Nairn owns 5 hospitality venues across Taupo. He says he understands the cautious approach but that life under Red alert level hasn't been easy.