There is no doubt that many industries and many businesses have been affected by the effects of Covid over the last two years, and sadly it isn’t over yet.
The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit with lockdowns, restrictions, density limits, shortage of staff, staff being unwell and unable to work, decline in patronage and more – the list is extensive.
During many of the lockdowns, some relief was given with government grants and additional support from local councils which did enable many businesses to keep the doors open and tread water. However, since our last lockdown ended back in October, the flow on affects are still being felt by our hospitality business owners.
Density limits are still in place meaning a reduction in the amount of revenue they can earn, there is a high shortage of staff which means many owners are working 7 days a week or worse still, can’t open the doors. With many people either getting the virus and isolating or others not wanting to risk getting ill, our locals are simply not experiencing the numbers needed to sustain their businesses and keep their doors open.
With no government grants for this period of the pandemic, the cracks are starting to get deeper.
I’ve sadly spoken to several small business hospitality owners lately who say they are only a few weeks from closing if something doesn’t change soon.
THEY NEED YOU! THEY NEED US AS A COLLECTIVE.
I heard one lady the other day say that she can’t wait until the virus goes away and she can get back to her favourite local. Sadly, her favourite local won’t be there if we don’t start supporting them NOW. It will be too late if we wait until later.
So please, as much as you can. Live Local. Be Local and Support Local. If you don’t feel comfortable dining in – ask them to make it takeaway – they’ll thank you for it!
#supportlocal