Hi all,

Here we are again.  Disappointing, given things have been so busy, but I guess many of us expected a few more circuit-breaker lockdowns and it’s better to go short and sharp than let things get out of hand.  Let’s just hope that new case numbers get back to zero as soon as possible.  Until they do, there remains a risk of an extension of this current lockdown.

I spoke with many of you last week regarding rules around what to do when you have guests in-region when a snap lockdown occurs.  The advice I have been given – both last week, and during the previous (Valentine’s Day) lockdown – was that if you have guests who have already checked in when the lockdown occurs, they are able to stay for the duration of their booking and also check out during lockdown.  But no new bookings.  This is a sensible and practical approach by the Government. While we can’t assume that this will be the rule for future snap lockdowns, unless the advice differs, I suggest that you follow this rule.  As always, use common sense if something isn’t clear and call me if you’re unsure.

OK so there are some small grants about.  You’ll find a neat little support summary here.  Of particular interest to you might be:

The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund which offers grants of $3,500 to businesses with an eligible liquor license and food certificate.  It opens in a couple of days (June 2nd).  You can register your for the Business Vic newsletter here, to stay up-to-date, if you haven’t.

The broader Business Costs Assistance Program provides grants of $2,500 for businesses in sectors ‘most impacted’ i.e. those who cannot operate during restrictions.  Again, this opens on June 2nd.

There is also a Victorian Events Support Package which helps event operators who have incurred losses due to the lockdown.  More info ‘will be available shortly’.  Again, subscribe to the newsletter in the link above for updates.

Hang in there guys.  Let’s hope this ends Thursday midnight.  If not, by Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Cheers

Steve and the DMT Team