‘Outdoor dining only’ rule puts thousands of jobs at risk — AHA

The hospitality industry was already standing down thousands of workers over the new “outdoor dining only” restriction – in midwinter.

Retailers shutting up for the day on Monday were left confused about how they would be affected by tough new Covid restrictions, while more than 20,000 hospitality workers were being stood down within minutes of the state government’s announcement.

Business owners on The Parade at Norwood said they supported measures necessary to stop the spread of the virus, but said financial assistance would be crucial in helping them through.

Kellie Waite, co-owner of SE Waite & Son, said she was unsure whether the shop would be allowed to remain open because it sells hardware, which is classed as essential, in addition to giftware, furniture and homewares.

She said wage relief would be a priority for businesses forced to close.

“It’s mainly that the staff will be looked after … we’ve got casual staff, so it’s hard to pay them if we’re not earning an income,” she said.

Co-owner Kellie Waite from SE Waite & Son on the Parade, Norwood. As of midnight tonight all non-essential retail will be unable to operate due to Covid restrictions. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Staff at neighbouring businesses Ward’s Shoes and For Yu jewellery said they hoped the shutdown would not need to be extended.

The Australian Hotels Association described the restrictions which include outdoor dining only as “a lockdown in everything but name” and were bitter that country hotels across the state were being hit when they were hundreds of kilometres from exposure sites.

AHA state chief executive Ian Horne noted restrictions in other states had used geographical limits and that hotels in places like Streaky Bay, Roxby Downs, Port Lincoln and Ceduna were distant from potential exposure sites.

“For the hospitality industry it is effectively a lockdown — the only places in winter that you can eat is outside so that is not much of an option,” Mr Horne said.

“That means more than 20,000 hospitality workers are being stood down, as there is nothing to open.

“For this industry it is a brutal response.”

Mr Horne predicted the vast majority of operators will simply shut as it will cost them money to open if they cannot serve food inside.

“This will knock the confidence out of the entire industry,” he said. “There will be another avalanche of cancellation of functions.

“The three-day lockdown in November cost hospitality in excess of $100m – this is going to be as bad as that if not worse.”

Business SA chief Martin Haese said he was concerned by the “sudden turn of events”.

“At a time when hospitality, events, tourism and retail are already struggling, these closures and severe restrictions will be another blow for many SA businesses,” he said.

The Winter Reds festival scheduled for this weekend in the Adelaide Hills has been cancelled but organisers hope to reschedule, the Alpine Winter Festival is also being stopped while Illuminate Adelaide events have been “paused” while waiting on advice from SA Health.

When announcing the restrictions, Premier Steven Marshall said he was focused on minimising effects on business.

“It’s a disaster if we have to go into a long-term lockdown,” he said.

“Obviously, there is federal government support if that does take place, if they trigger this as a hotspot then there is money available in the second week.

“My goal is for us to all work together this week and make sure we can all get on top of it.”

Originally published as ‘Outdoor dining only’ rule puts thousands of jobs at risk — AHA