MILLICENT’S hospitality sector has been hard hit by the latest nationwide trading restrictions imposed by the Federal Government due to the growing threat of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
Among the additional imposts on everyday life across Australia, authorities have declared hotels, cafes and restaurants have only been allowed to sell takeaway meals and snacks since noon yesterday.
This has had an impact on over a dozen Millicent businesses.
The Somerset Hotel has been forced to close its bars, dining room, pokies and betting facilities.
However, its drive-in bottle department is functioning as usual along with its 21 motel rooms.
Somerset Hotel manager Alex Gordon said the bans would have a “dramatic impact” on the 41-strong staffing level.
Mr Gordon said he had anticipated the nationwide ban of this nature would be applied, but was surprised at the timeframe.
“We have not yet taken a decision about having the kitchen open to supply takeaways,” Mr Gordon said.
“We have to do these restrictions for the greater good of the nation.
“We will get through this and survive.
“Over the weekend, we imposed capacity limits in the various areas and these were generally well-accepted.”
Shearer’s Cook Cafe owner Melissa Armfield stopped serving sit-down meals, snacks and beverages at the Kentish Place eatery yesterday afternoon and concentrated solely on takeaway fare.
Ms Armfield said onsite consumption usually amounted to 30pc of the café’s business.
“We will keep trading, we have no supply issues with our wholesalers and we will be offering our full menu on a take-away basis,” Ms Armfield said.
“We will see what the phase two restrictions might be.
“We in Millicent have to pull together and support each other.”
The chairs and couches for 50 at Acky’s Deli stopped being used at noon yesterday, but takeaway food and beverage sales continued.
Co-proprietor June Pilmore said she understood the need for the Federal Government to enact such restrictions on the hospitality sector.
“I am not surprised and it might have been done sooner,” Ms Pilmore said.
“There might be wider bans to do it right.”
The George Street business is currently trading more than 90 hours per week and Ms Pilmore is not certain about future staffing levels and opening hours.
“We will play it by ear,” she said.
“Demand could increase for our takeaways.
“At this stage, most lines are available from our wholesalers.”
Regular customer Adrian Vandervlag regularly visits the shop from his Mount Burr home.
“I am here most days for a catch-up,” Mr Vandervlag said.
“I will continue to come here for a coffee.”
Bans apply to gymnasiums and this is “not good news” according to Ignition Fitness owner Adam Wiese.
“We have been told that we can continue with our outdoor training sessions and this is a small part of our business,” Mr Wiese said.
Millicent Business Community Association president Lee Morgan said the organisation was systematically touching base with businesses to see how they are going.
“Businesses are obviously very worried,” Mr Morgan said.
“All we can do is listen and make sure that we are there for them.
“Such a circumstance brings huge challenges and the Federal Government assistance is a step in the right direction to assist.
“As we come out the other side of this pandemic it will bring a change in the paradigm on how we think and work as a community.
“It is important that we do not look for blame and that we conduct ourselves as leaders in society.
“Our customers need a sense of control and stability and we need to demonstrate that as well.
“At this point in time, it is about taking a stocktake of not only our goods but values in life and that should include care of your families and neighbours and checking in with them either at a social distance or by phone.”
