PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
THA PRESIDENT PAUL JUBB
The difficulties Tasmania’s hospitality sector has faced in the past 18 months has been well documented. With borders continually closed, businesses have been just scraping through due to a lack of interstate visitors. Increased funding grants from the Tasmanian Government, such as the supercharged business support package announced in September, have played a vital part in keeping the industry afloat during the pandemic. But as we approach what we all hope is a bumper summer period, the time has come for some clarity around not only when the state will open up to travellers, but arguably of more importance, what rules and regulations are going to be recommended and implemented. We have backed the premier in his stance of keeping this virus out of Tasmania and for allowing us to live as normal as possible compared to some of our interstate counterparts – all while lobbying for much needed support along the way. But the continued uncertainty on when we will open and exactly what it looks like for our operators only adds to the stress. Businesses need to be prepared foranexpected influxof tourists, from a staffing, management and Covid-19 safe plan perspective. Regular feedback we receive is many workplaces are already stretched when it comes to staffing levels, but until a firm date is provided on what the coming months will look like in regards to tourism numbers, it is impossible for businesses to project their requirements. Indications are pointing to a December opening, but we need a definitive answer and we are hoping the looming release of Tasmanian specific modelling does not impose any additional restrictions around
caps on density within venues or patron numbers. Rest assured we will push back hard on any measures to reduce the amount of people who can attend establishments. No-one is underestimating the importance of borders opening in the safest possible manner. That is paramount and we applaud the rates at which Tasmanians are getting vaccinated to hit the percentage targets that have been set. The pop up vaccination clinics which are being rolled out are also vital for our regional communitieswhomay not have as easy access. We are also encouraging everyone within the hospitality industry to play their part and get double vaxxed. With so many of our staff being in the front line of duty and among the most at risk, ensuring we are protected is crucial. We can’t hide from the threat of the virus entering the state forever, we just need to be as best prepared as possible when the possibility of it surfacing arrives. This all comes as we recognise October as mental health month, which encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing from an individual perspective and those around us. No-one has been hit harder than thehospitality sectorduring thispandemic and the impact it has had for so many of us on our livelihood. I hope the way we have rallied together and supported one another during this period has been felt across the board and it was great to see a vast range of events held across the state during the official mental health week in our local communities.
Actual. Vodka Seltzer +Watermelon
Hospitality Review: October 2021 5
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