Pub group optimistic it can be viable with 50-person cap
Redcape Hotel Group says it is optimistic it can operate profitably in NSW with restrictions easing to allow 50 patrons in a venue.
The pub group is looking to reopen it venues this week, following a statewide easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
“It’s a lot better than the other scenarios we had planned for, but could have coped with,” Redcape boss Dan Brady told The Australian Financial Review.
“We see it as a way back to full operations. We’re not looking at it in a dour manner, saying we want more. We are thankful for these numbers.”
While the majority of its 32 venues will open this week in NSW, its six Queensland pubs will remain closed under the state’s current 10-patron limit.
To adapt to the new hospitality landscape, Redcape will deploy more staff throughout its venues to monitor guests and ensure they are complying with the new rules and wants patrons to book first through a mobile app.
“There will be people at the front door as you come in and we’ll have staff dedicated to hosting groups of people seated at tables,” he told the AFR.
“It’s not policing, but ensuring we are hosting in a socially responsible manner.
“With restrictions being eased in a progressive manner, we don’t expect to bolt out of the gate, but that’s not to say we can’t deliver an enhanced customer experience.
“That’s we have we focused on during the shutdown.”
Sheridan Randall, 1st June 2020
