The owner/operator of the White Horse Pub and Restaurant has moved to clarify the reasons behind the establishment closing on December 22 and re-opening in mid-March.

Following an article in yesterday's edition of The Royal Gazette, Kevin Sousa contacted the paper to say the pub is closing for two and a half months to allow staff to go home on holiday and help the business through the slow winter months.

The decision to close during this period, he said, would also allow renovations to be carried out on the place to get ready for the next summer season and cope with the increase in cruise ship passengers coming from Dockyard to St. George's in 2009 and in future years.

"Each year we try to face opportunity the same way, and grow our business and move with the trends and times," said Mr. Sousa.

"We felt that by being closed for the next couple of months would help us achieve this goal."

Mr. Sousa said the employees who were not leaving on vacation would be assisted and he hoped that Government would ensure St. George's future and put on more fast ferry services seven days a week between Dockyard and St. George's to bring visitors and cruise ship passengers to the town next summer and onwards.

"I am sure all St. George's businesses have experienced slight revenue drops starting in November of this year, which was to be expected with what is happening across the world with the economy right now and with so many Bermudians preparing for the worst ahead," he said.

"We continue to remain hopeful with these changing times and will monitor the business over the years ahead to see how we can minimise the impact of this threatened economy."

Mr. Sousa said the opinions expressed in the previous article were those of an employee and not the view of the company.

"The White Horse remains strong and hopeful during these tough economic times ahead, and feels that by taking time this winter to make some needed and necessary changes, it will help us for many years ahead," he said.