The Victorian State Government has this week announced a plan to assist with the recovery of the hospitality sector, introducing the $251 million “licensed venue fund” and the $100 million “Melbourne City Recovery Fund”. These two measures have been introduced to assist venues restart once restrictions are eased and to enable venues to increase the amount of patrons that it can serve in an outdoor setting.

The major elements of the package are:

Licensed Venue Fund

Grants of up to $30,000 for licensed pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and reception centres, based on their venue capacity and location.

Melbourne City Recovery Fund

Jointly funded by the Victorian State Government and the City of Melbourne to be paid in grants.

These funds are focuses on assisting licensed venues setup outdoors, convert rooftops and courtyards to be able to serve customers in a Covid normal setting.

The announcement of these measures included a focus on licensed venues implementing an outdoor dining culture, that will not only be more suitable to the COVID world, but would develop a culture to be enjoyed well into the future.

This announcement was not met with universal approval, with some in the industry concerned that the requirement to expand their venues into outdoor trading would require the hiring of more staff and an increase in other overheads.

Further information in relation to these measures and other measures implemented by the State Government of Victoria, can be accessed here

https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-survival-and-adaptation-package/business-support-fund-3

If you are experiencing difficulty, need advice about your business’s way out of the Covid-19 crisis, or would like to know more about the help on offer, please contact Brodie Hilet or Neil McLean on (03) 9670 8700.