Poll: 80% of NYC eateries unable to afford rent

July 3, 2020 Shanon Peckham US 0

Imani Williams sanitizes tables at Junior’s Restaurant, Monday, June 29, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:50 PM PT — Friday, July 3, 2020

According to new data, New York City eateries are suffering major financial hardship due to ongoing coronavirus shutdown orders. A recent survey showed 80% of restaurants in the city were unable to pay their full month’s rent in June, while 36% failed to pay any rent at all.

This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio delayed the reopening of indoor dining following a rise in coronavirus cases.

“Indoor dining is delayed, but we will continue to work towards recovery,” he said. “The greatest restaurant city in the world will find a way.”

Indoor dining is delayed, but we will continue to work towards recovery. The greatest restaurant city in the world will find a way.

Open Restaurants on Open Streets will meet more outdoor dining this summer. https://t.co/ZC4DC6FNKs

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 2, 2020

Diners sit at tables set up on a sidewalk outside El Patron restaurant, Wednesday July 1, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Some residents have expressed opposition to the delay.

“I feel as though it’s not fair due to the fact that, like, a lot of people have been practicing social distancing. From what I see, a lot people still wearing their masks, they’re still keeping up with the rules that we should follow. So, I would say you should open it up, but keep it limited in a way. The same way that they keep, like, takeout limited, like certain people inside or a certain amount.” – Adanna Dixon, New York resident

While food establishments have been allowed to serve carryout and provide outdoor dining, owners argued this does not bring in enough profit to cover their expenses. Many restaurants have been forced to close their doors for good.