Bad behaviour of owner leaves bad taste

A guest at a nearby table was coughing constantly and not observing Covid19 protocols by nog coughing into her elbow. My family and patrons nearby started putting their masks back on; not ideal whilst eating. I could not finish my meal and went inside the restaurant, asking to see the owner Julienne. He started shouting at me from inside the kitchen “come closer, I cant hear you and I am busy cooking”. I responded “then just leave it” and sat at a table inside whilst waiting for my family. A waitress came over to find out what the problem is and I gave her an update, stating that the conduct of the coughing patron is against current regulations. After 10min the owner approached and wanted to know what the fuss was about. I gave him detail feedback and he responded “why did you not confront the person”. I asked him if he wanted his patrons to publicly confront other patrons in contravention of Covid19 regulations. I told him it is his responsibility as the owner to keep all his patrons safe by ensuring all protocols are adhered too. His view was he can’t do anything as there is a social contract and everyone has the right to choose how they behave. I reminded him that there is a state of emergency and this attitude can have his business being closed down and that he puts everyone’s health at risk. After 5 min he returned and said he spoke to the patron and she informed him that she has Larrengitis and tested negative for Covid 19. We should thus nust relax. I told him that you cannot take information at face value only during these testing times. He abruptly left, only to return again after about 5 min wanting to know if at least the food was good? I stated clearly that this was irrelevant to the matter at hand. He sped off again, only to return with the following “I am sorry, I am French and cannot keep quiet....if you are SO paranoid, stay home!!!” Needless to say, we asked for our bill, paid and left. As South Africans we are all very aware that we are midst in the second wave of Covid 19. KZN is still in the fortunate position to have beaches and businesses open most of the festive days. It is acts of such negligence and total disregard for the regulations published in the government gazette in the state of emergency, that will negatively impact us all and have grave consequences for all South Africans and for our country as a whole. Being in a position to positively contribute to our failing economy, is a privilege that bears an unwavering responsibility. I am once again of the opinion that the quality of food has no relevance to the blatant disregard of safety for all. I will never visit this restaurant again and hope that local authorities will do the required verifications to compliance to Covid19 regulations at this place of business and keep us all safe