Pubs, clubs in limbo Closures will cost jobs and flow on to supply chain

A TOWNSVILLE bar owner says an uncertain future is more concerning than a definite closure in the wake of coronavirus restrictions.

This comes as Flinders St nightclub Otherwise Bar announced it would close indefinitely and set up a livestream DJ on Saturday nights to keep people entertained at home.

The Prime Minister announced new measures yesterday that prohibit indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, putting the future of many pubs and clubs into question.

Emmanuel Bogiatzis, Heritage Exchange owner and Safe

Night Precinct president, was still unsure about the future of his establishment, and said the Government’s guidelines were unclear. He said staff wellbeing came first and he would rather the nightclub be forced to close now rather than have prolonged announcements every few days.

He was unsure how his patrons would react to the new measures and hoped the Government would have some clear rules in place before the weekend.

Mad Cow Tavern owner Mark Napier said the nightclub would do everything it could to follow the guidelines to “ensure the health and safety of our staff and patrons”.

Mr Napier said the hospital- p tal ity industry would be one of the hardest hit in the pandemic and it could “send small businesses to the ground”.

“We’ve got small businesses that have been trading for 15 to 20 years locally, it would be a shame for them to close down for something that happens once in a 100 years,” he said.

“It’s a kick in the guts and another bad start to the year. Considering we just had the success of the stadium and what that did for the CBD, we’re unsure where we going to be in the next months.”

But it is not just the Townsville CBD that will feel the impacts of the coronavirus restrictions. Large venues like Brothers Leagues Club and Kirwan Sports Club were preparing for the financial pressure that government guidelines could bring.

Brothers Leagues Club chief executive officer Justin Wilkins said the club was yet to see a significant downturn in trade.

“It will undoubtedly fall as people become more and more concerned with the coronavirus,” he said. “Obviously, a downturn in trade will result in us reducing staff numbers and are six spending less with our suppliers which will impact further our struggling local economy.”

Mr Wilkins said both clubs had begun implementing “social distancing”, including staff monitoring separate areas to ensure there was no more than 100 people in that space.

Mr Wilkins said as part of the repercussions, the courtesy bus would not be operating until further notice and the supervised children’s room was closed.

“Every second gaming stool has been removed in the gaming room,” he said.

“Table and chair numbers have also been reduced in our bar, restaurant, cafe and lounge to create extra distance between patrons.”

IT’S A KICK IN THE GUTS AND ANOTHER BAD START TO THE YEAR

MARK NAPIER