Pubs may be back, but not as we know them

Most of us are itching to get back to our local watering holes after what feels like a lifetime away, but make no mistake – even in reopening, these businesses are struggling, writes Sophie Elsworth.

Welcome to the world of being able to go to the pub but being banned from having a beer at the bar.

There’ll be many Victorians itching to get their toes back into their local watering holes from Monday and have a brew after months of patiently waiting.

I’ve booked in for my first meal at one of my local haunts and can’t wait to get back out there, supporting local business.

But the madness continues under these lockdown rules.

You can’t go the pub, sit at the bar and have a pot of beer or a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc — no frothies with your mates.

Instead, those able to go to their local pubs must sit down quietly and eat a meal and only 20 persons are allowed in the one venue.

For many people across the state this is like a shot to the heart, particularly for those who love a beer after knocking off after work.

Country publicans are among those hit the hardest, along with those businesses that simply don’t serve meals.

Local pubs help keep community spirit alive. Picture: iStock

For many regional folk their local pub is what keeps the community spirit alive, where the locals gather at the end of the day to catch up with their mates and chew the fat.

But spare a thought for these small businesses — many run by husband-and-wife teams — who have had months with virtually no income at all and now have to adhere to these
insane new rules.

In my hometown, Smeaton in central Victoria, where the population is just 250 people, the pub is opening back up not to make money but to help keep the community connected.

Today is the ninth anniversary since the publicans took it on and Smeatonians know how lucky they are to have Troy and Amanda.

But many publicans are losing money hand over fist so why can’t they have their regulars come in for a few pots in the evening all while social distancing?

This would help them bring in extra cashflow and give them an inkling of hope at making some decent earnings to try and stay financially viable.

How is drinking a beer while steering clear of your mates any more dangerous than going to the supermarket or local markets and being swarmed by people all around you?

These rules are crippling businesses and for some pub owners they said it’s simply not viable to open back up.

Sophie Elsworth is a columnist for The Herald Sun.

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