Suffering through their fourth lockdown Victorians were hit with the news this week businesses would be closed for another week, but relief has been forthcoming at Federal, state and private levels.
The Victorian Government has announced the $70 million Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021, supporting eligible hospitality venues.
Grants will be provided to licensed premises in Victoria, amounting to $3,500 for regional business and $7,000 for those in metropolitan Melbourne. They are available to eligible liquor licensees operating a pub/hotel, bar, club, restaurant, café or reception centre registered to serve food and alcohol.
Licensees that already have an eLicence address should have received their grant application link from Business Victoria yesterday (3 June). Those that don’t have an eLicence yet must set one up (HERE) by 20 June 2021.
Grant applications can only be submitted via the link from Business Victoria.
See the Victorian Government business website for Program Guidelines.
Furthering the support, yesterday Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Temporary COVID Disaster Pay fund.
The program will provide financial support for declared COVID hotspots forced to go into lockdown for more than seven days. It will pay $500 per week for people that were working 20 hours or more, and $325 to those working less than 20 hours.
Beyond governmental relief, Australian Venue Co has instigated its own short-term assistance to its displaced workers. AVC employs over 600 casuals across its 34 venues in Victoria.
The company is offering $200-600 per week to casuals, depending on hours typically worked, which the staff can repay (interest-free) over the coming ten weeks, as other support monies are received.
CEO Paul Waterson suggests it is a way for them to actively support their valued staff through continued tough times.