Business smoked in Proof BBQ’s wait for decision on COVID-19 lockdown

The uncertainty around whether Brisbane’s lockdown would be lifted on Thursday evening smoked Proof BBQ’s chance of trading for a week.

Ryan Lane owner of Proof BBQ and Booze at Windsor and Woolloongabba, upset about the latest COVID-19 lockdown and says "In hospitality consistency is key, why not in government?.", Windsor. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

The uncertainty around whether Brisbane’s lockdown would be lifted on Thursday evening smoked Proof BBQ’s chance of trading for a week.

Ryan Lane said he was left with no choice on Wednesday but to close his American-style restaurants at Windsor and Woolloongabba until after the Easter public holidays.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is expected to deliver a decision on the lockdown at 9am which Mr Lane said left him with no time to place orders and prepare food.

“Thursday night would have been our one night this week to try and cover rent and wages,” Mr Lane said.

“I need to place orders the day prior and begin prepping at 2am.

“The hospitality industry needs time to plan and prepare.”

Ryan Lane owner of Proof BBQ and Booze at Windsor and Woolloongabba, upset about the latest COVID-19 lockdown and says "In hospitality consistency is key, why not in government?.", Windsor. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Mr Lane said he agreed a lockdown needed to take place to minimise the risk of transmission.

“But if we’ve had such a great response with testing and vaccinations, why can’t we have notice about whether we can trade?” he said.

“The Premier is blatantly disregarding hospitality as an industry.

“Hospitality is being hit the hardest, and it has been since day one.”

Brisbane coffee baron Phil Di Bella said Mr Lane wasn’t the only one hurting.

Phillip Di Bella. Picture: Tertius Pickard

While Mr Di Bella’s latest venture The Coffee Commune has been able to adapt with takeaway options, the entrepreneur of 30 years said the lockdown had taken a huge toll on business owners.

“They’re anxious, they’re unsure and until now the federal government has carried the industry,” he said.

“If there is no assistance from the state or federal government going forward, business owners will be handing in their keys within three months.”

Mr Di Bella was concerned the government was looking at health through the lens of COVID-19 safety.

“Mental health problems among business owners will grow and people will be committing suicide,” Mr Di Bella said.

“At what cost are they going to keep us safe from COVID-19?”

Mr Di Bella hoped there would be more collaboration between the government and small business owners when making snap decisions that impact trade.

He suggested a chief commerce officer should stand alongside Ms Palaszczuk and Dr Jeannette Young during live press conferences to explain to small business owners how they will pay wages.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said a short sharp lockdown to prevent the spread of the pandemic was better than a longer one which could last weeks.

“It is the best way to keep Queenslanders safe and to protect our small businesses,” Ms Farmer said.

“Throughout the pandemic we have provided billions of dollars in relief and stimulus for small businesses which include nearly $200 million in small business COVID-19 adaption grants supporting nearly 20,000 businesses.”

She said the Government had also assisted with $1 billion in no-interest jobs loans to nearly 7000 businesses.

“During the lockdown we are offering a range of support with regular consultation with small businesses, industry and peak bodies to ensure they understand requirements for contact tracing and the support available through the Business Queensland website,” Ms Di Farmer said.

“The Small Business Hotline remains open to assist small businesses understand the implications of the shutdown on their operations.”