Hobart restaurant Oddfellows is closing after less than a year in operation

UPDATED: The pair behind a high-profile Hobart restaurant forced to shut its doors forever has warned Tasmanians “no amount of positive messaging and community spirit” will repair the damage caused by COVID-19.

THE loss of another high-profile Hobart restaurant has prompted calls for coronavirus recovery funds to be redirected to industries most in need.

Oddfellows Bar and Eatery co-directors Chloe Proud and Niall Maurici have announced the establishment will soon close, citing coronavirus-related restrictions which had “decimated” the industry.

Their ethical eatery in the Alceme building in Victoria St has been operating for less than a year.

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“Despite our efforts to persevere through the s**t storm, this is for all our fellow operators, all our mental health and relationships, all our feelings of security, the time has come for us to close this chapter and leave our beloved space,” Ms Proud and Mr Maurici said in a social media post confirming the closure.

Niall Maurici and Chloe Proud co-directors of business Oddfellows. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The pair called for action to redirect skills in the hospitality sector.

“An entire industry has been decimated overnight, and no amount of positive messaging and community spirit will repair and recoup the loss,” they said.

“Our industry and similar sectors are the key holders to culture in the state you feel so lucky to reside in. They’re on their knees and have no say or guidance in what’s to come and how we may all remain relevant and serving the needs of the community the best,” they posted.

Last month, award-winning Hobart restaurant Franklin announced its permanent closure, also blaming coronavirus restrictions.

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Opposition leader Rebecca White said she was concerned funding was not being directed to the industries most in need, with hospitality requiring urgent support.

Much of the federal and state government stimulus announced recently has been directed at residential and civil construction.

“We know the importance of the building and construction sector to the economy, and the government’s infrastructure program announced last week contains some important measures,” Ms White said.

“But there was nothing for hospitality or tourism, even though many of these businesses are already on the brink. It is concerning that these are the industries where job losses have been the greatest, with women and young people worst affected.”