PREMIER Daniel Andrews’ Roadmap for the Victorian economy has been met with “frustration and disappointment” by Community Clubs Victoria (CCV), who have said it is “so restrictive it makes it unviable for most clubs to reopen.”
“Those clubs that do reopen will do so only because they feel the need to reengage with some staff, rather than lose them to other industries, and will continue to lose money,” said CCV president and chairman Greg Roberts.
“Restrictive venue capacity limits of 10 inside and 20 outside is the main issue.
“Previously, the Victorian Government has allowed the industry to reopen from previous lockdowns with 50 patrons or 100 patrons inside.
“Where did 10 come from? It is completely unworkable.”
Mr Roberts said there are many venues that do not have outside areas to cater for patrons, so they are restricted to just 10 people inside their business.
“Clubs have been at the forefront of compliance and once the state reaches the 70 per cent double-vax threshold, venues should be able to open to fully vaccinated patrons subject to the one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside,” he said.
“Limiting metro venues to 50 patrons outdoors and regional venues to 30 patrons inside is far too restrictive and will send these clubs over the financial cliff.
“Currently, on the NSW-Victoria border, NSW clubs and venues can open with one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, but the Victorian clubs and venues are limited to 10 people inside for another five weeks.”
CCV understands the need for a cautious approach to reopening, Mr Roberts said, but there is a difference between cautious and too restrictive.
“The current excessive restrictions will see clubs and venues on the brink of financial ruin,” he said.
“A recent survey of over 1,000 clubs around Victoria has shown that more than 40% are on the brink of collapse.
“Just two in 10 clubs that are eligible will reopen under the current roadmap.
“It is critical that the Victorian Government continues to provide ongoing financial support to clubs under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund.
“It must be extended to include October and November, or we will see venues close because of the financial hardship.”
Mr Roberts said clubs were losing hospitality staff who were leaving the industry to work in those were not continually locked down, and for the 30,000 currently employed in hospitality, their livelihoods were continually being negatively affected.
“We must find a better balance between the health concerns and business needs.”
