Seattles post COVID recovery is struggling due to excessive economic restrictions and lockdowns imposed during the pandemic according to a study by Fox News. The study focuses on the restaurant hospitality sector, one of most negatively affected by state mandated closures. The conclusion is supported by data drawn from the popular app, OpenTable.

Recovery rates vary across the nations, the slowest recovery is seen in Minneapolis (down 54% since pre-COVID) and the fastest recovering city is Las Vegas which is up 35%. Seattle has seen a 41% drop in diners in the last 2 years.

The sample size was over 20,000 restaurants.

The Washington Policy Center has highlighted in several articles and a study comparing lockdown effects between states. Severe, government mandated lockdowns, such as the restrictions in Washington State, did not have a significant effect on COVID transmission rates. Lockdowns, however, have had a significant effect on the long-term economic growth and stability of small business. Clearly, we are now seeing the results of the overly aggressive state lockdown policies.

Ten slowest cities for restaurant recovery

Minneapolis (-54%)
San Francisco (-46%)
Portland (-45%)
Seattle (-41%)
Philadelphia (-39%)
New York (-38%)
St. Louis (-28%)
Washington, DC (-27%)
Baltimore (-25%)
Chicago (-23%)

For Minneapolis and Seattle, the additional political decision to defund law enforcement and the ensuing civil unrest and increased crime, has also contributed to diners staying away from the downtown dining areas.

Seattle in recent months has seen several prominent businesses close stores in the downtown area siting safety concerns for their employees and customers.

The anti-law enforcement policies of the Seattle City Council and the recent legislation passed by the Washington State Legislature have directly contributed to the safety issues in Seattle and other areas. The good news is, by reversing course, repealing the punitive laws against law enforcement and prosecuting criminals, business is likely to return to Seattle’s downtown. House Bill 2037, passed by the legislature in 2022, is a first step in that direction, but more needs to be done.

The impact on the jobs market has been significant. New York City lost 4,500 restaurants with a loss of 50,000 jobs according to the report.

Seattle is seeing a similar trend.

The cities in states that had no restrictions or minimal restrictions, the resturant business has rebounded and, in some cases, particularly in Florida where restrictions were lifted early, have seen double digit growth over pre-COVID dining numbers.

The Washington legislature needs to continue consider additional legislation to restore the ability for law enforcement to enforce the laws on the books. This will reduce the crime increases seen across the state, particularly in the Seattle metro area.

Additionally, as the data has clearly shown, extended government mandated lockdowns provide no benefit to the public health (including the questionable constitutional issues mandated lockdowns create) as originally claimed and should not be considered a solution in a public health emergency.