New Year's Eve good for some P.E.I. businesses

New Year's Eve is a busy time for many businesses across P.E.I.

Restaurants, hotels, taxis and DJs will all have a busy night as they work to keep those celebrating fed, entertained and safe.

Chinese restaurants are especially busy as many order their favourite food.

Kings BBQ owner Anna Zeng said it seems to have become a tradition for many Islanders to kick off their celebration with some Chinese takeout.

"Actually, I think every Chinese restaurant this time, everyone is busy. I think we'll be maybe three times [busier] than a regular day."

This is their money night.- Kirby Eldershaw, Yellow Taxi

The Rodd Charlottetown Hotel is hosting three New Year's Eve weddings and most of the hotel rooms are booked.

Even Charlottetown residents attending the weddings are staying overnight.

"It's a hassle trying to get a cab home afterward, and most people in the wedding are staying here, so we don't have far to travel after the partying is done tonight," said wedding guest Andrew Ripley.

General manager Gary Craswell says it's a great way to end the year.

"We're finishing off the month of December with a full hotel, and our food and beverage is packed to the gunnels with the weddings and the restaurant."

DJs like Tyler Jeffery are in demand for New Year's Eve as well.

Jeffery says he could have played at seven different parties.

"I have an extra flat rate cause it's a holiday, so I charge extra. And people don't mind paying I guess cause it's a party time and celebrating the new year."

Then when everyone is done celebrating, people will start spending their money on cabs.

Yellow Taxi owner Kirby Eldershaw says New Year's Eve is one of the most lucrative nights of the year.

"About four times more than what we'd always do. It's good for the bottom line, and it's great for the drivers to have a good night like this," said Eldershaw. "This is their money night."

But Eldershaw says anyone looking to get home between 12:30 to 1 a.m. can expect to wait an hour.