Publicans toasting the easing of restrictions say there’s still a long way to go

Publicans celebrating the easing of restrictions say there still is a long way to go to recovery and fear they face a “debt cliff” in September when JobKeeper payments are due to end.

• Country pubs desperate for easing of restrictions
• JobKeeper revamp could result in some paid less

Pubs across the state celebrated the further easing of restrictions — increased capacity and freedom to have a beer standing at the bar — but publicans facing a “debt cliff” are calling for JobKeeper payments to be extended past September.

Australian Hotels Association state general manager Ian Horne said there was good reason to toast the changes but stressed initial fears of a loss of 20 per cent of an industry which employs 26,000 people remain real.

“We can celebrate June 29 as a significant breakthrough since we were shut down on March 23 but the industry is a long way from recovery,” he said.

“The end of September looms as a debt cliff and it is vital that JobKeeper or a JobKeeper Mark 2 continues. If JobKeeper were to cease it would be potentially catastrophic.”

Mr Horne noted that as well as JobKeeper ending in September, it is also when banks, local governments and landlords are due to end their support and waivers, and will be looking to collect debts. He also welcomed the easing of restrictions on gaming areas saying it was integral to the viability of hotels and clubs.

Ex-Crows player Wayne Weidemann and ex-Port player Darryl Wakelin toast being back at the front bar of The Moseley with former players Alipate Carlile and Peter Caven. Picture: Mark Brake

“I’ve have a number of operators contact me who are battle-weary from the past few months but who are significantly more optimistic for the future,” he said.

Patrons at Glenelg’s Moseley Hotel celebrated with the arrival of a beer Tap Torch — resembling an Olympic Torch to celebrate pubs’ reopening nationwide.

Over the past three weeks, the Tap Torch has travelled through five states with Carlton & United Breweries providing a free keg of beer and aiming to raise $2 million to help struggling pub owners. Adelaide was the last stop.

Former Port Adelaide players Darryl Wakelin and Alipate Carlile, and former Crows Peter Caven and Wayne Weidemann were on hand with Moseley publican Jessica Bryan as the Tap Torch touched down

“This is a great way to have fun and celebrate after such an uncertain few months,” Ms Bryan said. “It will be amazing to see our locals celebrating the reopening of our venue.“