Chapel St traders call on Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Menulog to reduce commissions during statewide lockdown

Chapel St businesses are begging delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo to cut their commission on home deliveries as they face a battle to survive during the State Government’s COVID-19 lockdown.

Chapel St businesses are letting customers know they’re still open for business, even if their stores are closed. Picture: David Caird

Chapel St traders are begging food delivery apps to slash their commission rates as businesses struggle to survive under the State Government’s coronavirus lockdown.

Pubs, bars, gyms, restaurants and cafes were forced to close from noon today as the government grapples with the spread of COVID-19.

And Chapel Street Precinct traders’ association general manager Chrissie Maus said businesses were being put to the wall under the new self-isolation safety measures.

It was important the community knew many of their favourite haunts remained open for business, despite the temporary closure of their bricks and mortar shops, she said.

Ms Maus said it was also important they made as much revenue as possible through takeaway and home delivery sales
She called on apps like Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo to reduce the up to 35 per cent commission they charged businesses on each delivery.

“It’s pretty harrowing at the moment, it’s actually gut wrenching,” Ms Maus said.

“At this stage we’re asking the food delivery giants to at least halve their commissions during this pandemic. It will help them (businesses) survive … the government grant isn’t going to be enough to get them through.”

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Chapel St Precinct has also launched a new web page, Lemonade out of Lemons, to keep the community informed of the different ways businesses had adapted to the new operating environment, Ms Maus said.

Some were now offering personal shopping, while gyms and personal trainers had launched online exercise sessions or were streaming yoga classes, she said.

“You can do your doctor’s appointments online, you can do your yoga online, you can order every type of carbohydrate known to man,” Ms Maus said.

“It’s business as unusual and our traders are innovating and moving online during this unprecedented pandemic.”