NEVER before through wars, depressions and other emergencies has the Australian pub scene been closed down within the space of 24 hours, but that is the reality Ballarat and the rest of the country faces right now.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While some Ballarat businesses have taken to takeaway food just to keep their staff working, for others, there is a real chance that they may never open their doors again.
But if Ballarat publican and Australian Hotels Association Victorian president David Canny has his way, every business will return once the pandemic closures are done with.
"Everyone is struggling big time," Mr Canny, who runs the Red Lion said.
"A few of the pubs are trying hard with takeaway food, keeping people employed but don't for a second think that's about making money, it's nowhere near long term or of significance, it's simply a case of keeping people employed.
"Fortunately the government announcements are coming through have been encouraging. My number one priority as president of the Australian Hotels Association (Victorian branch) is s to get every pub back open."
Mr Canny said he was encouraged by the amount of support Ballarat's hotel industry was giving each other at this extraordinary time.
"To put it in perspective, never before has our industry been shutdown in a space of 24 hours. It's massive," he said.
"I won't speculate on what businesses are doing, suffice to say that I know the Ballarat hotel industry is a tight group and I know they are looking after each other so we can all come out of the other side of this."
Mr Canny's comments come as the AHA and CUB announce a joint fundraising effort to get cash flow into pubs in the meantime.
One of the locals that is still considering its options is the Park Hotel.
Publican Jason Yean said right now the pub had closed its doors and was waiting to see how JobKeeper will support it.
He said the law changes were just too quick to get support systems in place to run a takeaway business running at such short notice but it was hoped a takeaway menu could be provided at stage in coming weeks.
At this stage, renovations to the front of the pub would be the first point of business.
Among the pubs and restaurants that are open for takeaway are The Mallow Hotel, Freight, Table 48 and the Muster Arms.
The AHA and CUB announced on Monday a joint fundraising effort to get cash flow into pubs in the meantime.
Mr Canny's comments come as the AHA and CUB announce a joint fundraising effort to get cash flow into pubs in the meantime.
For the Love of Your Local is calling on Victorians to nominate a participating local pub and buy a pint of Carlton Draught. The cash goes to the venue immediately.
CUB will then match that purchase with a free pint, so far pledging up to $1 million work of kegs, meaning people get two-for-one pints when their local re-opens.
Mr Canny said it offered a glimmer of hope for many pubs.
"This initiative is a lifeline that provides hope for thousands of hoteliers and their staff," he said.
"For communities, it's not just the loss of the local watering hole. Local pubs and clubs buy, hire and spend locally.
"Charities depend on local pubs and clubs for sponsorship and fundraising and there's a whole supply chain from farmers to drivers who rely on a thriving hotel industry.
People buy a pint using PayPal to ensure venues get the money quickly and, when doors re-open, they'll be emailed a voucher to exchange for two pints.
If you wish to sign up your pub or buy a pint to support local businesses head online to loveofyourlocal.com.au
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.