It’s time to reopen hospitality venues, says Darwin bar owner Matt Mulga

LOLA’S Pergola owner Matt Mulga is keen to see his bars reopen as soon as possible, to rehire staff and get money flowing again. And while he understands the need for action against COVID-19, he’s critical of decisions made around closing hospitality venues but letting shopping centres, retail stores and superstores stay open

Lola’s Pergola shut almost a month ago and owner Matt Mulga had to let go of its casual staff. He wants to be able to reopen the venue as soon as possible. Picture: Che Chorley

When restrictions for venues tightened, forcing patrons out of cafes, restaurants and bars, Lola’s Pergola owner Matt Mulga decided to shut up shop.

The popular whimsical themed venue has been closed for about a month now as has his other venue, Babylon Bar in the CBD.

He said opening up Babylon Bar to trade in food would directly compete with his tenants in the Air Raid Arcade.

He said a takeaway model for his venues would not work for his businesses.

Mr Mulga is keen to see his bars reopen as soon as possible, to rehire staff and get money flowing again.

“Keep the borders closed and let cafes and small restaurants open up,” he said.

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While he understands the need for action to be taken to stop COVID-19 he’s critical of decisions around closing hospitality venues but letting shopping centres, retail stores and superstores like Bunnings stay open.

“I think it got singled out in a funny way when it could have been across the board,” he said. “If you really think we need this, why was Bunnings open?

“Shopping centres should be closed.”

He said the social distancing standard was not applied fairly either among sectors.

“We’ve got to have 1.5m social distancing and then we let five people into a taxi and that’s not fair on the taxi driver,” Mr Mulga said.

The new ceiling painting at Lola's Pergola is one of a number of changes owner Matt Mulga has made while the venue has been closed due to coronavirus restrictions. Picture: Che Chorley

On Monday Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he would begin looking at the possibility of relaxing some restrictions in mid-May but made no promises.

It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week said the Federal Government would begin looking at lifting bans on low-risk sectors in a month’s time if things went smoothly.

Mr Mulga also pointed the finger at the NT Government’s decision to give back the gaming tax to those that have pokies.

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He questioned why these big venues which already had an extra form of revenue were being given tax breaks while small businesses continued to suffer.

“He’s rewarding places with pokie machines over those that don’t,” he said.

While Lola’s Pergola is closed, Mr Mulga is working on refreshing the venue for when it is eventually allowed to trade again.

The seats have been reupholstered, deck varnished and a new ceiling painting created.