Tasmanian hospitality industry calls for another round of voucher scheme to support more businesses hit by COVID-19

The Tasmanian hospitality industry says a third round of the Make Yourself at Home voucher scheme should be rolled out to support more of the operators hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19. SEE WHY >>

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THE Tasmanian hospitality industry says a third round of the Make Yourself at Home voucher scheme should be rolled out to support more of the operators hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19.

In a 14-point action plan submitted to Premier Peter Gutwein and Small Business and Hospitality Minister Sarah Courtney, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association suggested a third tranche of the program be tailored to support Tasmanian restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars.

The $7.5 million first round of the scheme, launched earlier this month and focused on accommodation and tourism experiences, was fully subscribed within less than an hour.

It led to the launch of round two which opens on Wednesday night, but the hospitality industry believes a more targeted stimulus would provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the sector.

CEO of the Tasmnaian Hospitality Association, Steve Old. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The THA also called for restrictions to be eased to allow more people inside venues, and wants the Gutwein government to announce by October 14 when it plans to reopen the state’s borders.

“It’s pretty simple. We either want our restrictions eased or we’re going to need some form of stimulus to make sure the doors of the hospitality venues remain open,’’ THA chief executive Steve Old said.

Audrey Coffee co-owner Pete Ladyman said he was supportive of a voucher scheme aimed at hospitality businesses.

“I’m really hoping in particular that it drives a bit more business to some of our hospitality friends that are based in the tourism market who have been hit by low tourist trade,’’ he said.

“For us it would bring in customers that are maybe doing it a bit tougher at the moment and that luxury item of a coffee a day is a little bit too much.”

Audrey Coffee has two stores on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, at Rosny and Rokeby.

Among other actions, the THA has pushed for a campaign to encourage people to respect staff in venues, while also calling for payroll tax relief, waiving of fixed costs of electricity supply, and work to address skills shortages in regional areas.

Mr Old said the THA had reports of staff being abused inside venues because patrons did not understand the COVID-related rules in place, including the requirement for them to sit down.

“So when a young 18-year-old girl walks up to three guys having a beer and says you need to sit down, there’s a fair bit of anecdotal evidence that they are getting abused,’’ he said.

Paul Jubb co-owner of Customs House Hotel in Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“That’s just not fair for the staff members concerned. They are only just putting in place the laws that are in place by government.”

Customs House Hotel owner Paul Jubb said some of his staff had been abused just for asking patrons to comply with the rules, but said most people had been understanding.

He said the venue’s trade was about 50 per cent of where it was pre-COVID.

Mr Jubb said a fruitful spring and summer period was critical to operators, who relied on it to get through the usually quieter winter period.

A state government spokesman said restrictions were in place to guard against a potential second wave of coronavirus that would force businesses to close again.

“Current restrictions are continuing to be reviewed regularly and are informed by Public Health advice to ensure the health and safety of all Tasmanians,’’ he said.

“We understand that distancing and capacity rules pose challenges to both businesses and their patrons, but these measures are extremely important in limiting the spread of coronavirus should it occur in our community.”

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