Venues in limbo as rules change

SMALL bar king Scott Imlach was on Tuesday lamenting having to shut one of his five venues – Mr Hizola’s – with 21 of 22 staff out of action awaiting Covid test results.

Four had tested positive to the virus.

“Some staff haven’t been about to get tested the past couple of days and the ones who were able to, had to wait six to seven hours.

“We are waiting on results now but they aren’t coming back fast enough.”

He was counting the cost of missing out on $100,000 a week made at Mr Hizola’s during the festive period, which was used to support the venue during the leaner shoulder seasons.

“It’s heartbreaking because we’ve had to cancel 200 bookings each day.”

By Wednesday morning, after the Queensland state and federal governments made it clear the focus of contact tracers would only be on household members positive with Covid, he was hopeful his other venues might be able to open for the lucrative new year.

“If what they are saying is true it will hopefully help me save my other venues,” he said. “We will be full steam ahead with the other venues. I am very pleased, it’s encouraging they are listening to the hospo sector.”

But the pending changes have come too late for a popular Currumbin brewery that will remain shut for several days.

On Instagram, Balter Brewing Company said a Covid case had visited the HQ Taproom on December 27 between 2.30-6.30pm.

“The person did not have symptoms when visiting Balter but got some on the 28th and was tested and received a positive Covid test on the 29th,” it said. “We are awaiting information from Qld Health.

“Due to the wait times and lengthy process, we have made the call to stay closed until January 2 (we are closed Dec 31 and Jan 1 anyway).

“We are as disappointed as you guys about this and extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience.”

Balter said it would prepare to reopen in 2022.

Many hospitality businesses across Queensland have been forced to close due to rules requiring people to quarantine if deemed a close contact of a Covid case.

This includes Currumbin bakery Fuel Bakehouse - forced to shut for several days in early December and Waxy’s Irish Pub in Surfers Paradise, which was forced to shut last week as staff awaited test results from a close contact visit at the venue on Saturday.

Both have since reopened.