Due to the most recent developments of the shut down to non-essential services, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes have all been ordered to close as of Monday 23 March at noon. Here are some resources that can help keep you informed of the latest updates.
Update on 24 March 2020: COVID-19 liquor licensing changes announced in NSW.
Liquor & Gaming NSW announced changes allowing licensed premises that do not currently have authorisation for the sale of liquor consumed away from the premises to provide take-away or home delivery services. See more at Drinks Trade.
Register Your Open Business
- If your business is still operating at some capacity (takeaway only, bottleshop is open, etc.), register your business on #WeAreOpenNow. This movement has been created to support all restaurants and businesses during the COVID-19 Outbreak by reaching customers to let them know your business is still open.
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Email editor@thehappiesthour.com if your venue is offering takeaway, and the team will add this information to your existing listing. Remember to include which days & what times this will be available, and a summary of what will be available ("Whole Menu" or "Just Burgers", etc)
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A list of participating restaurants around Australia where customers can buy now to redeem later, and help keep their favourite restaurants afloat.
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This is a list of participating cafes where customers can buy a voucher now to redeem later, helping small businesses stay afloat.
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Customers buy a beer from participating pubs and clubs, and Carlton & United Breweries will match it.
HelpOutHospo
The public can help hospitality workers by purchasing cooking and cocktail training videos from experts in the industry like Matt Moran. You can also make a donation or become a sponsor to provide emergency financial relief for the hospitality industry.
Google My Business Updates
Businesses Affected by COVID-19
If your business has been closed due to the unfolding Coronavirus situation, Google has prompted business owners to provide the most up-to-date information to your customers. Here are a list of ways to do this:
- Change your business hours
- Add details of changed hours in your description
- Google allows you to edit your listing for takeaway or delivery only
- Create a post to explain all the latest updates on your business
See Google's post here for more information on how to do this.
Limited Google My Business Functionality
Another important update from Google is that they will be operating under limited functionality due to COVID-19. Some functions are temporarily unavailable such as reviews and Q&A. There will also be some delays in support as they prioritise critical services such as reviewing changes to opening hours for business listings.
See more on this update on Google's post here.
TripAdvisor Updates
As of 25 March 2020, your TripAdvisor Ads will run for free during the COVID-19 crisis.
They also have a page of Helpful Resources for Restaurants During COVID-19.
Instagram Updates
Instagram has published a guide titled Instagram for Business COVID-19 Playbook. This guide outlines how businesses can make the most of this platform during the pandemic and keep connected to your customers.
Resources for Hospitality Updates
Stay in the loop with what's happening in regards to shutdowns, lockdowns, and ever-evolving updates.
Government Resources
Australian Government Department of Health has a wealth of resources that you can trust as it's coming straight from the source.
Australia Government Department of Social Services has information on economic support for business owners.
Hospitality Publications
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#HospitalityStrong Resource Hub is a dedicated page of resources on the Hospitality Magazine website.
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Hospitality Industry COVID-19 Support Facebook Group
An online space for hospitality professionals to come together and discuss how they are dealing with the impact of COVID-19 in our industry. Join the public Facebook group here.
Support for Employees Made Redundant
Please make sure to check the information listed, as our blog does not constitute as legal advice.
- Financial help if you’re between 22 and Age Pension age and looking for work. It’s also for when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time.
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To help keep Australian workers in a job they may have already lost, or be in danger of losing soon, the Government will pay $1500 per fortnight to eligible employers to pay eligible staff. This will be handled by the ATO, with payments set to start from May, backdated to now.
- This supplement announced on 22 March 2020 will provide a temporary Coronavirus Supplement of $550 a fortnight to new and existing income support recipients from 27 April 2020 for six months. Check the link above for details on who is eligible.
- See the above link for further information and resources on support for employees who have been made redundant. The information in that post does not constitute as legal advice, please check official sources to ensure information is up-to-date.
Mental Health Support Services
Below is a list of Mental Health Support Services that have articles and resources on looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak. Please consider sharing to your family, friends & colleagues. Regardless of industry, we can all use these tips.
It is extremely important to seek out help if you feel you need it. These resources include options to call, text & webchat that will continue as normal during this time.
Stay up to date by subscribing to the SDS blog. We will also be adding to this list as more resources appear.
We will be doing everything we can to ensure Sydney Design Social is here to support our clients and our venues, now and also once the Pandemic is over and businesses begin to re-open and return to normal trade.
