Staff member of Burleigh Barrels Brewing claims workers are still owed thousands after the closure

The owner of a Gold Coast brewery which abruptly shut just over a month ago has spoken out for the first time after claims former workers were still owed thousands.

Burleigh Barrels Brewery closes their doors due to unforeseen circumstances

The owner of a Gold Coast brewery which abruptly shut just over a month ago has spoken out for the first time after claims former workers were still owed thousands.

Burleigh Barrels Brewery, Distillery and Smokehouse made the shock announcement on August 29 that it would be closing due to “circumstances beyond our control”.

The brewery was opened by Pat McCarthy and Peter Trimble alongside head brewer Chris Smith in April 2022.

Burleigh Barrels Brewery closes their doors due to unforeseen circumstances

Mr Trimble allegedly parted ways with the brewery earlier this year.

Five weeks on, a worker who wished to remain anonymous claims 12 staff were still owed up to $35,000 in wages by the company.

The worker also claimed they had not been paid their superannuation since April.

“Then there’s approximately $4000 worth of tips that should have been distributed to the staff which hasn’t been done,” the worker claimed.

Responding to the claims, Mr McCarthy said the company was experiencing “financial stress” and had a number of creditors who were owed money, including former staff.

“We have been working hard and closely with our solicitors and accountants to determine if we can find a way to reorganise and keep the business and brand trading, and we hope to have final advice on that in the coming weeks,” he said.

“Once we have that finalised advice, we’re confident that all employee entitlements (including any outstanding super) will be paid in full.

“We know that this has regretfully caused some significant hardship, and we totally understand that, but we’re working in good faith under incredibly hard circumstances to get the best outcome for all creditors, including former staff.

“Those obligations are not being walked away from and are forefront with the issues we are working with our adviser to resolve.

“Regarding any tips that may be owed, this was managed via a third party provider.

“I was only personally made aware of the issue a matter of weeks prior to ceasing trade. It’s one of the matters we have raised with our advisers to ascertain the correct amount and see what can be done.”

Burleigh Barrels Brewery closes their doors due to unforeseen circumstances

Mr McCarthy said the business was impacted by a number of factors including the economic climate, interest rates rises and a slowdown of customer spending.

“Sadly, after many months of investing more and more into the business, the decision was made to cease trading at our Burleigh premises on August 29,” he said.

“From that date all staff were let go.

“We made this decision after serious consideration and following advice, it was with a heavy heart that the business ceased to trade, as some of our team had been with us since the day we had opened our doors.”

The former worker said the employees were frustrated they were the ones to lose out.

“Especially because we’ve done everything correct on our end in terms of following up for payment etc,” they said.

“One of the staff was on a visa and doesn’t qualify for the fair entitlement guarantee, so his only chance of getting paid is through Pat.”

The staff member said they were told they had to close the brewery due to a “dispute with the landlord”.

The worker said staff were taken by surprise with the closure and said it was a “fun” place to work.

“Working there was good, the staff worked well together, it was a great environment.

“We had dozens of regulars that would come in every week and enjoyed the place.”

Burleigh Barrels Brewery in Burleigh Heads.

Follow @CrysalFoxJour1