With the doors now closed at bars, pubs and clubs all over Australia, the Government is being asked to do more to help those impact by the measure.
While the need to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout Australia is recognised, with the length of time venues will be closed unclear, the Independent Bars Association NSW (IBA) says the Government needs to do more.
IBA President Karl Schlothauer told Bars and Clubs: “The IBA recognises the need for the government to take the measures they have taken in order help slow the spread of the virus, but we are calling on more support.
“The financial package announced recently is good, but is not good enough.
“There needs to be immediate relief for our industry as this started hurting us a while ago and the support offered will be too late to keep people in jobs.
“Wage subsidies are required to keep staff in jobs, and commercial rents need to be frozen so that these staff have jobs to return to in six months’ time.”
He said there are a number of ways the industry can help now.
- Sign the petition to Keep Our Venues Alive
- Become member of the IBA as there is strength in numbers
In terms of becoming a member, Schlothauer said the IBA is waiving fees for 2020, so that the association can build its strength through numbers.
“Through this turbulent time we have decided not charged anyone who decides to join up to the IBA, there is a lot of information circulating some of it true some of it not,” he said.
“The best way we can support small bars is keep them informed as possible and the IBA needs their help to do so.
“As the situation for our industry is changing daily, we are in constant talks with Liquor & Gaming, NSW, Government, local councils and various other bodies. We need real time data to help us help our members with the impacts the current situation is having on our industry. So we can inform the different authorities what is really happening.
“With that in mind, we have suspended all fees for 2020. Just so we can keep everyone up to date with the changes and give the powers that be a realistic view of what is actually happening to our industry through these testing times.”
He added: “There are tough times ahead but the louder we are the more the government will listen.”
