Mission Beach Tavern reopens and reveals expansion plans

A Far North pub that was forced by the government to close its doors earlier this year has bounced back with plans for expansion. DETAILS

FOUR months ago one of Mission Beach’s largest hospitality venues was unsure when it would be reopening its doors, and now it’s revealing plans for expansion.

The Mission Beach Tavern “took a stance” against the Queensland Government’s vaccine mandate and was forced to close on January 28.

The town’s only pub reopened its doors in early April after the government announced proof of vaccination would no longer be required at licensed venues.

The closure had not only impacted the business which missed out on “a few hundred thousand dollars” in revenue, but also its 17 staff and the wider community.

“We are an essential service especially for the mental health of our community,” manager Jeanette Lamb said after its closure.

“People come into the tavern for a bit of ‘R and R’ and it is a social outlet for them.”

Now, the venue which can seat “a few hundred” has just had its plans to extend its beer garden and dining capacity and build a two-bedroom residence for staff approved by Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Owner Allen Cairns said the expansion plans worth over $400,000 had been in the works since before the closure and required him to purchase additional land from the council.

“The front of the pub could be empty, but the back, the current beer garden will be full. So we’re increasing our room and capacity there,” Mr Cairns said.

He said the expansion would allow for about an additional 30 seats and further down the track, he had hopes of establishing a purpose-built stage to host regular live entertainment.

“Thirty might sound like a lot, but that’s the size of Peppervine.”

Mr Cairns acknowledged with the town’s tourism season now in full swing, dining options for visitors were limited.

“But businesses are struggling with staffing issues still. We used to be able to pick and choose, now we have to take whoever we get, and it’s the same for everyone.

“More of these restaurants (in the town’s centre) would like to be open more, but they can’t without staff.”

He said another challenge the town’s hospitality industry faced was the tourism off season where restaurants would compete for the same limited customers.

With seven years business experience in the town, Mr Cairns said during his time he believed a potentially successful offering would Asian cuisine.

“Indian or Chinese, that would be something different and would do well with locals too.

“For business owners looking to come here for the lifestyle, the first thing you have to have is a successful business mindset, otherwise you won’t have time for the lifestyle.”

Originally published as Mission Beach Tavern reopens and reveals expansion plans