South coast hospitality rocked by Delta lockdown as NSW Treasurer promises a way out
New data shows just how hard the lockdown has hit the south coast hospitality industry as business owners look for a way to get back on track.
The South Coast News
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New data shows average revenue for south coast hospitality businesses has dropped by almost one third since joining the Sydney Covid lockdown, as owners wonder what life will be like when restrictions ease.
The data released by point of sale technology company Lightspeed, shows hospitality across the south coast has been hit hard by the lockdown, with businesses down 31.1 per cent on July.
Business in August was down 30.2 per cent on the same period last year, the data shows.
Owner of south coast cafe Cafe Evolve Peter Haggar said business is down by as much as 60 per cent since the lockdown.
“We are down 20 per cent on 2019, which means we didn’t get any financial assistance, because you had to be down by 30 per cent,” he said.
“This week we are down by at least 50 to 60 per cent. Our staff need support as well. Two have decided to take time off and another is on reduced shifts.”
He said authorities should increase outdoor spaces for cafes and restaurants already using footpath permits, allowing more customers to eat and drink safely outside once the lockdown is lifted.
Mr Haggar said using parking spaces as extra seated tables, closing certain streets for dining and converting car parks are also options which should be allowed for.
“I think the more people we could sit outside the better,” Mr Haggar said.
“If council want to open up a dialogue about using a car space in front of cafe’s for seating that would be welcomed.”
Lightspeed’s Director of Marketing, Simon Le Grand, said there has been a “steep decline” in average revenue across south coast bars, restaurants and cafes since it joined the Sydney lockdown in mid-August.
“Resilient small businesses have again shown their knack for innovation by offering takeaway and updating their product mix to keep things ticking over,” he said.
“We anticipate a quick bounce-back once restrictions lift, as patrons look to support local venues and soak up the warmer weather by dining and drinking out.
“Experiences from last year have also provided some valuable lessons and, if Sydney is any indication, the revenue impact from this lockdown won't be nearly as significant as last year.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said a the government has a plan ahead with a “restricted trading environment” likely to continue, and a task force has been created to look into “cutting red tape” and expanding outdoor dining.
He said councils will “play some role” in the plan, which will tackle “politically contentious” issues and help create a more “lively cultural environment” in many towns.
Mr Perrottet said many workers outside hot spots have lost work hours, adding he is “very confident” businesses will recover.
“Yes, it’s a challenge, but I have complete faith we’ll get through this,” he said.
“I’m very confident our businesses will get through this.”
He said the government will ensure “financial support continues to be available”, adding he has raised the issue with the federal government, who have a 50-50 agreement with the NSW.
Arthur Rorris, Secretary of the South Coast Labour Council, said the lockdown has had “major impacts” on communities.
“We must remember that they have battled not one but two crises in the last year and a half the bushfire crisis and now coronavirus,” he said.
“Many small businesses and their employees we‘re not given the support they needed during the first crisis, the bushfires, let alone the relentless Covid situation.
“It has made it very difficult for key industries on the coast such as tourism and hospitality to provide any continuity for their workers let alone to plan ahead.
“It’s not the big fish we are most concerned about, it is butchers and bakers and restaurants that are part of the fabric of the coast.
“Government’s need to focus on communities and not just the corporates and the billionaires.”
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