Struggle St: Long road back for popular precinct
Traders fear a popular night-life precinct is months, even years, away from returning to its former glory and are calling for urgent support when they reopen.
Business
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OCEAN St traders fear the popular night-life precinct is months, even years, away from returning to its former glory and have called for urgent community support when they eventually reopen.
Despite Queensland's relative control over the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, hospitality and business experts forecast the popular Maroochydore strip's Struggle Street status to continue indefinitely.
It has been days since the Sunshine Coast last recorded a new case of coronavirus. There have been 92 cases in this region, of which five remain active.
But even if restrictions are lifted to allow small venues to safely reopen, it's owners of the larger ones that hold hundreds of people "do not see light at the end of the tunnel".
Solbar Group co-owner Alex Johns said the "exhausting" closing down phase was far from over.
"We will assess the information when it's given and make a plan that reflects each of the measures. But we'll be closed to the foreseeable future," Mr Johns said.
"We rely on physical interaction, the vibe and the mosh pit. But we understand that's a high-risk activity.
"Environments like ours that have that close contact with other people, so we will be among the last to get the green light.
"Everyone will be itching to get out, so that will be an attraction for a while. But the novelty will wear off."
Mr Johns said he believed small venues would see a benefit and allow some cash flow to be created.
His business partner Dimi Limnatitis urged people to support local businesses and suppliers when they eventually get back on their feet.
"I'm not just saying come to us, but people need to avoid the big brands and suppliers and support the little guys," Mr Limnatitis said.
"Now more than ever. That's the only way to get the economy back.
"Butchers, fruit, vegetables, look after them that's what we do.
"Whenever we do get back to normal we need support."
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president Brendan Bathersby predicted a grim outlook at least until a vaccine is found.
Mr Bathersby said too many once thriving areas now resemble "ghost towns".
"It would be lovely to see it bustling, but that is well ahead of us," Mr Bathersby said.
"I'd say 12-18 months, even two years. Until there is a vaccine people will be reluctant to go out.
"We are in very difficult financial circumstances. If your business is closed you can't make money. It's awful."
Scott Hoskins, who owns popular Ocean St street food venue Junk, said he believed the overheads of larger venues would be too great for a quick fix.
"Small venues will be able to do some sort of trade but larger ones will take a while before they're back on their feet," Mr Hoskins said.
"Allowing 300-400 people in a venue, that would be months away.
"I am fortunate enough to have a rainy-day fund. And I'll be spending every penny if I have to. It's scary."
Mr Hoskins said he is concerned for the entire hospitality sector particularly for those starting out without experience or capital.
"I have started 14 restaurants in six years, some have failed, so I know about it," Mr Hoskins said.
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