Coronavirus Melbourne: Little Collins St bar slams selfish customers

A Melbourne venue has launched into customers in a Facebook rant for a post-lockdown dog act it called ‘crippling’.

As restrictions eased on dining in Melbourne this week, venues were peppered with calls from people wanting to pull up a chair.

But one venue on the city’s famous Little Collins St was left “heartbroken” after more than half of those who booked failed to rock up on Thursday night.

In a post on Facebook on Friday morning that has since been liked more than 2000 times, Cherry Bar said 13 of its 20 bookings were “no shows”.

The bar has been forced to introduce a non-refundable $25 booking/holding fee to stay afloat.

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The post by Cherry Bar. Picture: Facebook

“Cherry can only host 20 people inside at the moment,” the post reads.

“We have been taking bookings with no entry fee and no cancellation fee.

“Getting the full 20 people (that’s a mere 8 per cent of our licensed capacity) is critical.

“Last night of the 20 bookings 13 were “no shows”.

“This is heartbreaking.

“From today we just have to introduce a $25 booking/holding fee, which will not be refunded if you don’t turn up.

“When you cripple us by booking and then not attending, well … we have to charge you $25 for not allowing us to fill one of our coveted spots.

“Seem fair?

“Have a wonderful Friday and a superb Halloween weekend.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday announced the easing of restrictions for the hospitality industry under the state’s “third step” after months of closures under lockdown.

“Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen,” he said.

“Outdoors with a limit of up to 50, indoors up to 20. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans also apply.”