Three of Hobart’s best-known waterfront venues will throw open their doors tonight and tomorrow in a last hurrah organised by administrators, days after the hospitality group behind them collapsed.
Apex Advisory, the firm overseeing the voluntary administration of the Pub Banc Group, is urging Hobartians to pack out Cargo Bar, Jack Greene and Post Street Social for what could be the venues’ final weekend of trade.
In a last minute plan, Pulse can reveal the three venues will open from 5pm until late tonight and Saturday, serving a “shorter menu” of crowd favourites with live DJs at Cargo and Post Street Social from 8pm both nights.
A Sunday session at Jack Greene and dinner at Cargo will round out the weekend.
The Pub Banc Group entered voluntary administration on Monday, forcing seven venues to shut immediately and leaving more than 80 staff without work.
Director Ian Vaughan blamed rising food, beverage, utility and insurance costs along with a shift in spending habits.
Apex Advisory managing director Tim Booker said the weekend was a chance for the community to rally behind venues that had been part of the Salamanca and waterfront scene for years.
“These venues have hosted first dates, birthdays, farewells, footy wins and Friday knock-offs cage nights for a generation of Hobartians,” Booker told Pulse.
“This weekend, we’re asking the community to support these venues and their staff for what could be the last time.”
He said a packed house would do more than lift spirits.
“Opening this weekend directly supports the people who work in these venues and strengthens the case for a sale that keeps the doors open and the team together,” he said.
“Buyers back businesses with loyal customers and there’s no better way for Hobart to demonstrate that loyalty than by packing these venues out.”
Booker said an urgent sale process was underway, with numerous expressions of interest already received.
If the weekend goes well, other venues in the group could open for their own farewell drinks in the coming weeks.
“But nothing is guaranteed,” Booker said.
“If you’ve ever meant to get down to Cargo, Jack Greene or Post Street Social, this weekend might be your last chance.”
Acting premier Bridget Archer has separately written to the federal government pitching a live music rebate scheme for pubs and clubs, in the wake of the group’s collapse.
“This initiative would support the hospitality industry and back Tasmania’s live music scene,” Archer said this morning.
