QUEENSLAND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES WELCOME EASED RESTRICTIONS
The message throughout the Sunshine State is clear as sporting clubs, nightclubs, casinos and restaurants enjoy a further easing of restrictions on Friday. Queensland hospitality businesses are bracing themselves for big business on Friday as stage three coronavirus restrictions start from noon.
Sporting clubs, nightclubs, casinos and restaurants throughout the state will enjoy a further easing of restrictions, allowing them to generate more income.
Clubs like Townsville’s RSL club has been open for business for the past three weeks at reduced operations, but as general manager Peter Ehlen said, “you’ve got sell a lot of schnitzel” to cover the costs of such a large operation.
“The majority of RSLs and sporting clubs depend on gaming revenue to stay afloat, so I’m excited that we can get back to a new normal and offer gaming once again,” Mr Ehlen said.
“It’s been difficult for us as we’re also recovering from a major flood event, but I foresee a significant rise in revenue over the next couple of months.”
While Mr Ehlen admitted some of the stage three restrictions were confusing, he said the club would be making sure it complied with all the regulations.
“It would be nice to have some consistency across all venues, large and small,” he said.
“I hope in the future, the State Government does a more thorough consultation with pub and clubs and larger venues so that we can operate more fairly.”
Katarzyna Group, operators of Brisbane’s Press Club, Empire, Cloudland and Birdees, has worked hard to adapt all venues to ensure they’re complying with the Industry COVID Safe Plan. The group’s marketing manager Chris Cossio welcomed the accelerated arrival of stage three restrictions.
“People are just happy to get out and enjoy themselves, and for the most part people are willing to comply with any restrictions in place,” Mr Cossio said.
“It’s another step forward for the industry and for people getting back to work.”
Queensland’s casinos and gaming areas in clubs and pubs will also reopen tomorrow under the easing of restrictions.
And The Star Casino and Hotel at the Gold Coast has been experiencing an increased demand for hotel and restaurant bookings as a result of the state’s eased restrictions.
Star Entertainment Group general manager of media and communications Peter Jenkins said the phones had been ringing off the hook the past couple of days.
“There is no mistaking the latest announcements have seen us inundated with hotel and restaurant reservations and inquiries. Clearly there is pent-up demand,” Mr Jenkins said.
“The message is now clear: Get in quickly if you want a hotel or restaurant reservation. We’re encouraging people to put some pants on and come in for a drink.”
