Pubs and clubs are calling for the government to provide a pathway out of lock down to prevent many closing permanently.
Australian Venue Company chief executive Paul Waterson said action is needed for the industry’s survival.
“If they are talking about a September reopening for our industry, you tell me whether BHP, Telstra or the Commonwealth Bank could survive zero revenue for six months with essentially 12 hours’ notice. I mean, in any industry, it’s catastrophic,” Waterson told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Among those that have already fallen victim to COVID-19 are Perth’s The Flying Scotsman.
“During these tough times, it seems the landlord does not want us to renew the lease,” a Facebook post by the publican read.
“We will hold onto our memories of the Scotto forever and what an amazing ride it has been over the last 20 years.From all the team, we want to say thank you for making the Scotto a place where everyone felt welcome and had a good time.”
Last week, The King’s Head Hotel, which has been around since the 1870s, became the first Adelaide pub to close permanently.
“It’s been tough, there’s been a lot of tears,” publican Gareth Lewis (above) told 9News. “I’m sure there’s going to be more in the industry.”
NSW clubs beg to reopen
There are fears more than 40% of NSW clubs and RSLs will never reopen following the coronavirus shutdown.
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