Several esteemed hospitality venue owners in Melbourne are calling both patrons and staff to vaccinate as quickly as possible in order for the city to reopen.
In an exclusive interview published in the Herald Sun, Big Group head Bruce Keebaugh, Cherry Bar owner James Young and Epocha owner Angie Giannakodakis urge Melburnians to be proactive.
Owner of major catering and events company The Big Group, Bruce Keebaugh, cannot see the hospitality sector survive unless the state comes out of lockdown as soon as possible.
Mr Keebaugh said, “Our clients need confidence to plan and book, our staff need to foresee a future. Our suppliers and sole traders need our support to restore their livelihoods”.
“We will do this by ensuring each member of our staff is fully vaccinated to greet our fully vaccinated guests. There is no way out for the hospitality sector without frontline hospitality worker vaccinations as an urgent priority,” he added.
The traders say mass vaccination is the only way to save devastated businesses and ensure that the city bounces back after crippling lockdowns.
Meanwhile, James Young who owns one of Melbourne’s most famous live music venues, Cherry Bar, says his bars have been closed for over a year.
“We would like to see government adopt a triage approach where vaccination is the number one priority, supported by rapid antigen testing to provide inclusion for those unable to vaccinate, and to provide environments that are Covid-free adding that “if you can get children back to school, me back to work and artists back on stage, I’d have the jab every weekend”.
“Like so many other businesses, I continue to suffer crippling losses. The government grants are very helpful, but they’re a Band-Aid.”
Similar views were expressed by Greek Australian owner Anggie Giannakodakis who feels that support helps the hospitality community grow stronger and be more determined to remain in the game.