The Australian Hotel Association says the road map to recovery is inconsistent and could force some hotels and pubs to shut down permanently.

May 8, 2020

Australian pub-goers could see their favourite watering holes stay shut despite a plan to ease coronavirus restrictions across the country.

The Australian Hotels Association says the road map to recovery is inconsistent and could force some hotels and pubs shut permanently.

“Hotels have been left blindsided,’ chief executive Stephen Ferguson said on Friday.

“They basically will not be able to re-open their businesses until stage three of the recovery process.”

Mr Ferguson said the plan failed to account for venues with large floor space and most would be forced to remain closed.

“We are told only 10 people can sit and have a meal in a pub restaurant area even if that area could safely socially distance 50 or 100,’ he said

“Why can only 10 people be allowed in a dining area of a huge venue that could safely socially distance 120?”

People are cramming into supermarkets and work side-by-side on building sites, he said.

“Where is the consistency?”

Mr Ferguson warned that many operators were already struggling with mounting debts after being closed for more than a month and the recovery plan could force some to close their doors permanently.

“Hotels have done the right thing, put the health of staff and patrons first the moment this pandemic hit – and we will continue to do so – but common sense needs to prevail here too,” he said.

Birdsville Hotel general manager Ben Fullagar did not share Mr Ferguson’s negative sentiment saying today’s announcement was great news for the tiny border town, which is known for its annual racing carnival.

“Everyone has done really well social distancing and staying clear of each other … it will be nice for them to come in and catch up in the dining room and enjoy a meal and a cold drink,” he told AAP.

“I think they are all hanging out for one of our steaks.”