From the President

New Hurdle a Bitter Blow

DAVID BASHEER – AHA|SA PRESIDENT

WATCH VIDEO UPDATE: https://youtu.be/T5Ey4ncRqIM

The next few weeks loom as amongst the most critical for hospitality.

Not only do we learn when we arrive at that magical “90% over 12 years of age” vaccination rate, but we also will get an appreciation of the ambitions of Government and the public service to remain in control of our businesses.

The roadmap announced on October 26 had most of us concerned and confused.

Venues that benefit from domestic tourism have breathed a sigh of relief but for the rest, it was another setback. I’m no mathematician, but the amount of people required to be vaccinated at the long promised “80% over 16” rate versus the new bar of “90% over 12” does appear a disturbing figure.

The AHA|SA is hearing reports the vaccination rates in this state have stalled. Not surprising, those keen to get vaccinated have done so.

Those of us whose fortunes depend on everyone else doing the right thing are at the mercy of those whose income is not dependant on the State freeing restrictions. The fate of our Christmas season – critical to venues most damaged by the restrictions - rests with not just the anti-vaxers but the vaccination apathetic.

The AHA|SA has enthusiastically taken up the Premier’s invitation at the October 26 media conference to work with Government to get the best outcome. There remain more questions than answers.

1) When will we hit 90% over 12?

2) What restrictions will remain?

3) What will the obligation be on venues to have their staff vaccinated?

4) What will the obligation be on venues to only allow vaccinated patrons into their venues?

5) Will there be a transition period for functions already booked in good faith, unaware that patrons may need to be double vaccinated?

Beyond the obvious frustration for industry that the goalposts have been moved, my major concern is it smacks of a public service reluctant to lose control of our business. Do they envisage a day where they won’t have their fingers in our lives?

Over the next few weeks, the interstate experience will give us a preview of what our lives will look like beyond the 90% target. It is critical we return to having only one public service body - logically Consumer and Business Services - deciding limits and associated trading conditions. History says SA Health has rarely empathised with the plight of our members and our staff since March 2020.

On November 1, it was frightening to read The Advertiser’s report of the Chief Health Officer suggesting that restrictions, including mask wearing, would need to remain in place for 300 days after November 23.

For too long now we have been strangled by health red tape and regulations for the greater good of our COVID-19 response. We understood and accepted this. Equally, we have every right to believe those days will very soon disappear.

Remember when we were “all in this together”?

MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN

You could not be blamed for feeling COVID-19 is the only health issue requiring attention.

For too many in our industry, the 20-month white knuckle ride around lockdowns and restrictions has taken its toll on our people’s mental health.

This is coupled with the fact for almost two years we have been telling customers what they can and cannot do, whilst patiently explaining to patrons that we don’t make the rules. Yet the fact we are obliged to enforce them has resulted in operators and staff enduring sustained abuse as we have been forced to become the frontline “Covid cops” on the beat.

The exhausting prospect of enforcing vaccine passports to battle fatigued customers heightens those concerns.

Industry mental health issues now sit squarely alongside economic considerations at the top of the AHA|SA agenda.

This is why we have partnered with EML to contribute $110,000 towards tailored, industry-specific mental health programmes. During the year we have also supported a range of community programmes with a focus on mental health. Last month, the AHA|SA - through members contributions to the Independent Gaming Corporation - pledged $10,000 to Erin and Soda’s Mental Health awareness month in conjunction with the Breakthrough Foundation. This follows a similar commitment to Will and Dave’s Undies Drive on 5AA in July, supporting Katherine House and the Hutt Street Centre.

We do understand there will be a need to continue that support into 2022.

TWO SPEED HOTEL ECONOMY

We must remain mindful that COVID-19 has produced a two speed hotel economy and it impacts people in different ways.

Many of our CDB venues, particularly our accommodation hotels, are in real trouble, along with our members who don’t enjoy the benefit of significant gaming or retail revenue.

For the second consecutive year it was impossible to judge the prestigious best live music venue at our recent Awards for Excellence. Our venues are the natural home of live music and getting the musicians, technicians and of course our venues back on their feet is a priority.

Those most impacted by the COVID-19 regulations are deserving of the greatest consideration. They have been left behind with minimal Government support after JobKeeper finished.

It need not be restricted to handouts. Other countries such as England, Japan and Norway have assisted on-premise venues with a cut in beer excise. The AHA|SA has long agitated this federal tax is far too high. We are currently the fourth highest beer taxed country in the world, and will rise to third in 2023, overtaking Japan. Norway is the highest, but after they reduced their beer tax by 10%, the gap is narrowing. Last week, Great Britain reacted to the COVID-19 plight of pubs by offering the biggest tax cut for beer in 50 years, in what the Chancellor described as ‘a long term investment in British pubs’.

A reduction in our crippling beer tax would assist COVID-19 struggling pubs and boost employment. Any such announcement would go down very well with the punters on the eve of a Federal election.

CONGRATULATIONS

Our 2021 Awards for Excellence was a sensational night. Congratulations to our joint winners for Best Overall Hotel, the Bridgeport and Marion Hotels. The Bridgeport is a tribute to the vision and investment by Ian Tregoning and Graham Hobbs and a real boost for our regions. As a back-to-back winner of Best Overall Hotel, the Marion is the reward for a stunning rejuvenation by the Hurley family and a wonderful addition to the hospitality landscape of the southern suburbs.

Best of luck to all our winners in next year’s National Awards.