IRYMPLE Hotel is one of many local businesses throwing its doors back open to the public again on Friday after the easing of restrictions.
The pub’s management team don’t expect to make a profit over the next week, with a seated patron cap of 50 allowed in hospitality venues.
However, the decision to reopen for bistro lunch and dinner service was largely made to put some money in the pockets of workers, who missed out on a pay cheque this week.
“We’ve had about 10 or so (employees) go without pay,” bar manager James Kedmenec said on Thursday.
“This is one of the major reasons we decided to reopen with only 50 people being allowed into the venue.
“We’re not sure if we’re going to make a profit, but it’s more about getting the staff back to work.
“We’ve spoken to the staff and told them we’re reopening, but the bad news is that we won’t need all of them.
“Hopefully this is just for one more week and then everyone will be up and about and back to normal again.”
He said the blow to pub’s bottom line of the seven-day lockdown would be about $50,000, similar to what The Sandbar has worn.
Asked for his response to the State Government’s announcement of business grants up to $3500, Mr Kedmenec said: “It’s better than nothing.
“But when you look at the figures that businesses are missing out on, it’s not enough.”
