THA_Review_Magazine_June_2021

#STAND UP FOR HOSPITALITY

“I’ve had to turn people away from our bistro, we’ve had to take tables away, and it starts to leave a sour taste in your mouth,’’ He said. Peter had owned the pub for a little over 12 months before the pandemic hit and the forced closure of the venue. “The COVID shutdown put an immediate stop to any momentum we had. The Paddy Wagon is a bit of an institution in the northern suburbs, people have been coming here for quite a few years and to see it close was devastating” he said. “The community have been really supportive since we reopened last year and people have returned but it’s certainly different with these restrictions. We don’t have COVID transmission in the community, we haven’t had for over a year and I feel now is the time to release those restrictions and let hospitality get back on its feet.” Peter says he congratulates the state government for the way they took measures to suppress the virus, but he says the sector now needs a road map out of these restrictions. “Big events like AFL matches can have thousands of people there. We’re limited in numbers but still have to pay staff and bills. It incredibly frustrating”.

“We’re complying with contact tracing, we use Oztix for all events to track and trace all ticket holders so we have everyone’s details and then we also use the Check In App as well. We’re doing everything the Government has required, but we’re not seeing the reward for effort. It’s frustrating”. Snap closures due to outbreaks interstate cause havoc for travelling acts with cancellations of gigs crippling the Launceston venue even further. And the loss is amplified by booking cancellations in the venue’s dining space. “We suffer a 50% loss of trade for dining when the borders are closed” she explained. It’s not just her own business Wendy holds serious concerns for. “Live music supports musicians, sound and lighting technicians, bookers and promoters. All are suffering a loss of income and at the moment Tables removed, chairs spaced, a cap on patrons - the new normal is becoming old for many operators who are losing business and income due to the 1 in 2 square metre capacity restriction. Peter Ryan, who operates the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub on Glenorchy’s Main Road, says he is forced to turn hundreds of customers away every week. “It’s probably about 50 customers a day that just aren’t coming in anymore because of the restrictions. I’m getting a little bit tired of the restrictive nature of what’s been imposed.” there’s no light at the end of the tunnel”. Pub goers tap out

Adam Shields Licensee of Hobart venue, Irish Murphy’s shares similar sentiments around the remaining restrictions. “When the dancing and stand up drinking rules were eased a bit [in November 2020], it had a huge positive impact. You could see it in the numbers but also the attitude of the staff, and the customers and their spending as well”... continued page 23

THA HOSPITALITY—REVIEW: JUNE 2021 | 21

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