Pub sector welcomes NSW relief package

The pub sector has been buoyed by the NSW Government’s latest assistance packages that offer cost relief as pubs owners look to other ways to maintain some sort of cash flow during the lockdown.

The NSW authorities have waived the annual liquor licence base fee and trading hours risk loading fee for most licensees, for the 2020-21 period. The compliance risk loadings will not be waived but they will be deferred and be itemised as part of annual liquor licence fees for 2021-22.

The Australian Hotels Association NSW welcomed the initiative.

"Closed hotels continue to be burdened by many fixed costs, including energy charges and insurance,” AHA NSW chief executive John Whelan told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“The waiving of fees rather than a deferral is particularly welcome as it means these fees won't join a long list of debt already accumulated.

"We understand the need for the current restrictions and NSW hoteliers and their 75,000 staff look forward to having the opportunity to serve their customers again in the future.”

Despite being one the hardest hit by the coronavirus shutdown measures, the pub sector has seen about $85 million worth of venues changing hands in Sydney and Queensland.

Among the latest transactions was the sale of Illinois Five Dock Hotel in Sydney to former Wallaby Bill Young for about $15 million.

HTL Property Asia Pacific director Andrew Jolliffe who advised on the sale, said they have never been busier.

Sheridan Randall, 22^nd April 2020