The Phnom Penh Municipal Administration wants owners of restaurants and other wedding venues not to charge guests who had to cancel or postpone plans to protect against Covid-19.

Phnom Penh Municipal Hall spokesman Meth Meas Pheakdey told The Post the call was intended as a contribution in the fight against the spread of the virus.

“We just call on people to understand,” he said.

Meas Pheakdey said venue owners should not demand compensation if a guest has to cancel or make excuses for losses.

“The owners should avoid taking this opportunity to exploit people who volunteer to join the government in preventing and stopping the coronavirus in the wake of the November 28 community transmission of Covid-19 in Phnom Penh,” he said.

A wedding venue owner who asked not to be named said he agreed with the call.

“Since the beginning of Covid-19, I don’t take deposits from guests. If guests postpone their days I also agree to the postponement,” he said.

Sen Tharith, the owner of Apsara Tevy Gold Wedding Embellishment, said the request is reasonable due to the circumstances because a gathering can lead to a community transmission.

However, he said some problems can happen with the postponement of weddings.

“Normally, when we pay for a wedding hall we call on other parties like music bands and cooks. When there is postponement it is difficult to tell them,” he said.