Dave Willoughby of Doc Willoughby's Pub in downtown Kelowna has been using a disc sander to spruce-up the exterior of the downtown establishment Monday morning and it's creating a buzz. 

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"We've had a lot of interest in what we're doing down here," he said.

Willoughby believes the time is right to reopen the doors. "We've all done our part and our risk is kinda low at this point," he said, "but it's good that we don't go backwards."

The plan is to open the doors to the public, but things will be different. 

"We'll definitely have it set up with fewer tables inside and a lot more social distancing protocols in place," he added. But he can't wait to see the doors open again, on the 19th.

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"I'm excited! I think a lot of people are pretty keen to get back out there and already you can feel the energy on the street starting to build."

Willoughby said they will be in line with mandated limits if they keep to 50 percent capacity, which in the case of Doc Willoughby's will be 75 people.

"Obviously when we're busy on Friday and Saturday nights when typically we'd be full, we'll have to adhere to the 75 person rule and that includes staff so it will definitely take a bite out of our sales," he admits.

"But it will be nice to get some cash flow rolling again." 

Photo credit: NowMediaDave Willoughby

At the same time, he understands that some people will feel it's too soon. "Certainly there's going to be some people who don't feel comfortable going out and those people are welcome to stay at home until they're more comfortable with coming out," he explained. 

"But I think a lot of people are eager to get going and don't feel the risk is that high for them right now."

Once inside customers can expect to see a lot more room between tables, separate doors for entering and exiting and numerous hand sanitizing stations.

"I think all those things," concluded Willoughby, "combined with our policies and procedures will definitely make people feel more comfortable."