Pub owners call on State Government to raise capacity limits im mediately

A Tasmanian bar and restaurant owner says the time has arrived for restrictions to be lifted, given the state’s coronavirus “curve is like a pancake”.

TASMANIAN pub owners are calling on the State Government to raise capacity limits im mediately, saying coronavirus restrictions are crippling their industry.

On Friday, venues were allowed to reopen with a maximum of 40 patrons at one time.

TASMANIA FAST APPROACHING ZERO ACTIVE CORONAVIRUS CASES

Owner of Launceston bar and restaurant Steve’s Grill, John Lyons, has been lobbying the government on behalf of businesses like his.

“It’s been 26 days since a new case, lift the restrictions immediately. We were asked to flatten the curve — our curve is like a pancake,” Mr Lyons said.

“We’ve done everything they’ve asked, now there’s almost no coronavirus here we need restrictions lifted.

“You can’t have two sets of rules. You can’t let hundreds of thousands march (at the Black Lives Matter protests) and do nothing about it, and then not let small businesses, who can’t pay the mortgage on their houses, trade without restrictions.

“It’s just totally unfair. I want to see the Premier lead from the front. Let Tasmania get back on its feet.”

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ‘ON ITS KNEES’ AS ANOTHER EATERY CLOSES

Customs House manager Tyler Petersen. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Hobart’s Customs House Hotel and Shipwrights Arms owner Paul Jubb agrees.

“If we’re at zero cases and you’ve got an like industry like hospitality on its knees, why would you not bring forward the easing of restrictions? It’s a no-brainer,” he said.

“If they’re keeping the borders closed, why can’t we get back to some sense of normality and help the industry climb off this cliff?”

TAXING TIMES AHEAD FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Mr Jubb, president of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, said without government support many pubs would struggle to stay open through winter and small business closures were “inevitable”.

“All the events that would normally bring people here are cancelled like Festival of Voices, Dark Mofo, the footy and so on,” he said.

Paul Jubb. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

He called for an extension of the federal JobKeeper payments to keep those struggling afloat.

Mr Jubb said it was great to reopen on the weekend, and his venues were well supported while following the rules.

“But 40 is not sustainable. We’re not making money at 40 people, but it’s about returning to normality.”

Justin Devine from the Maypole Hotel in New Town said having 40 people per session was just enough to justify opening.

“But now we’re wondering what we’re waiting for to really get going. Now is the time,” he said.

“We’re in New Town surrounded by businesses that have been trading the whole time — Coles, Kmart, Dan Murphys — it seems only fair.”

Mr Devine said he expects it to be tough a winter.

“We need support from local clientele to get through..”