TRACING CLAIMS TRADERS
A NUMBER of popular hospitality venues that had hoped to remain open during the busiest period of the year have buckled under the pressure of state government Covid orders.
Top venues such as Iku, Etsu, Paloma Wine Bar, Mr Hizolas and Balter Brewing have temporarily shut up shop due to staff testing positive to the virus or awaiting close contact test results.
Other venues have told the Bulletin they could also close, including one that has half of its staff out of action and “on tenterhooks” to open for New Year’s Eve.
Karla Munoz Labart, of famed Burleigh eateries Labart and Paloma Wine Bar, said the latter venue offered a pop-up shop in lieu of closing on New Year’s Eve.
“Unfortunately, Paloma will not be open on the 31st due to a staffing shortage, with some team members in isolation due to close
contact testing,” she said.
“However, our pop-up store will ensure customers can get their wine fix for the night with individual bottles as well as wine packs for the occasion.”
Cosy bar boss Scott Imlach announced on Wednesday he had to shut Mr Hizolas because all but one of
22 staff were stranded, awaiting Covid test results. Four to date had tested positive for the virus.
He said the closures would put the business in a $100,000 hole – where usual festive season profits would offer him a safety net through the dormant seasons.
“The projected numbers are now closer to $200,000 in lost profits,” he said.
“There’s $15,000 a week flying out the door for rent and staffing costs and $5000 on wasted food alone.”
Mr Imlach said his one saving grace was the fact his
other venues were now fully booked for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Our main priority right now is to ensure all of our staff and customers are as safe as possible,” he said.
“Any staff members with even the slightest symptoms will unfortunately have to stay away from the venues until they have the all-clear.”
Mr Imlach said he was aiming to reopen Mr Hizolas on January 4, but was
uncertain, as some staff members were ordered to remain in isolation until at least January 8.
“We’ve all been hit incredibly hard during this time,” he said.
“I was talking with Etsu owner Mitch McCluskey and he mentioned he had to refund upwards of 150-200 tickets for New Year’s Eve sittings. It’s a big blow across the board for a lot of businesses.”