Northern beaches COVID outbreak: What’s closed, as residents urged to support local businesses

Northern beaches’ businesses are being hit hard by the pre-Xmas COVID lockdown. One has revealed he lost tens of thousands of dollars in bookings overnight.

Businesses on the northern beaches like the Manly Kayak Centre are taking a financial hit after choosing to temporarily close due to the fast growing COVID outbreak. Picture: Jim O'Rourke.

Residents are being urged to support local businesses as they battle through the current Christmas COVID crisis, as one bar owner revealed he has lost tens of thousands of dollars overnight in cancelled bookings.

Retailers and hospitality outlets are missing out on vital holiday income, as the northern beaches is plunged into a minimum-three-day lockdown and businesses close as a precaution.

Matt Clifton, who owns Donny’s Bar, The Cumberland, Insitu and has just launched an outdoor wine bar pop-up in Market La, said large parties had been cancelling bookings yesterday and today, with some even cancelling tables for dates as far away as New Year’s Eve.

Matt Clifton, owner of many pubs in Manly said he has lost tens of thousands of dollars in cancelled bookings overnight. (AAP/Image Matthew Vasilescu)

“The worst case scenario is this will continue through the summer,” Mr Clifton said.

“For many businesses, without the summer trading they will be going into 2021 and another winter.

“The next 72 hours are crucial. Will this be a three-day lockdown or a lockdown for summer?”

State Liberal MP for Manly James Griffin and the Manly Business Chamber say there is a way locals can help.

Mr Griffin said that after a tough year for local businesses the next three days would be critical.

The newly reopened Forest Hotel at Frenchs Forest has closed its doors for three days as a precaution. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

He suggested that if customers can’t visit their favourite shops, that could organise to buy gift cards. Customers could also buy online and ask the businesses to deliver goods.

For eateries, people could get in touch with their favourite restaurant and make a new booking, rather than cancel.

“Many local businesses rely on the high volume of pre-Christmas trade to provide that extra income at the end of the year,” Mr Griffin said.

“2020 has been even more difficult for these businesses and the lessons from restrictions earlier in the year will be useful to help trade continue in a COVID-safe way.

Forestville RSL has closed temporarily.

President of the Manly Business Chamber, Charlotte Rimmer, said she was proud of the way Manly and the local area has stepped up to ensure a safe COVID environment for both tourists and locals this year.

“This week prior to Christmas is a busy one socially and our restaurants, cafes and retailers have pulled out all stops to make it work for everyone,” she said.

“Gift cards, postponing rather than cancelling and supporting local business will keep the economy turning so that we can enjoy a fabulous start to 2021 – the same goal for everyone.”

The ‘Back Your Local’ website was built earlier this year to help small businesses respond to COVID restrictions and provide information to the public about what they can access safely and locally.

“The website is up and running now and will be instrumental in helping residents understand which businesses are still open and trading in the coming days and how to access their services in a COVID safe way,” Mr Griffin said.

The plea to back our local businesses comes as a number if outlets have decided to shut their doors for at least three days for safety reasons.

The Avalon Beach RSL and Avalon “Bowlo” were already closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Anzac Day celebrations at Harbord Diggers, Freshwater, Sydney, Thursday, April 25, 2019. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING.

The Harbord Diggers owners, the Mounties Group, said it was closing both the Diggers and Manly Bowling Club for three days as a precautionary measure.

“While this is not a directive from NSW Health and we have not been identified as a venue of close contact, the club has voluntarily decided to take this preventative action to minimise any risk during these next few crucial days,” a spokesman said.

Other clubs and pubs closing temporarily include the Manly 16ft Skiff Club, Calabria Club at Manly Vale, Narrabeen Sands Hotel, Balgowlah RSL, Manly Leagues, Dee Why RSL, The Manly Club on Gilbert Park, Pittwater RSL, Narrabeen RSL, Forestville RSL, The Beach Club at Collaroy, Forest Hotel at Frenchs Forest, Belrose Hotel, Club Belrose.

The Brookvale French bistro, Le Sud has temporarily closed.

Mr Clifton’s four venues Donny’s, Insitu, The Cumberland, as well as the pop-up wine bar have closed for three days.

Tourism businesses are also suffering. The Manly Kayak Centre has ceased operations for the time being.