Several Hobart hospitality businesses have offered support to more than 80 workers stood down when seven city venues closed suddenly on Monday.
Cargo Bar, Jack Greene, Post Street Social, Observatory Bar, Republic Bar, Franklin Wharf Restaurant and Bar and Franklin Wharf Function Centre shut after operator Pub Banc Group collapsed into voluntary administration.
The group blamed rising food, beverage, utility and insurance costs and a shift in consumer spending.
Rival venues quickly stepped in to help the affected staff and stranded customers.
The New Sydney Hotel said it would match any tips given to its own staff this week and donate the total to affected workers.
“We’re saddened that many of our friends in the Hobart hospitality scene have had very sudden and unfortunate news,” the pub said in a social media post.
Salamanca venue The Brick Factory, which neighbours Cargo Bar and Jack Greene, posted a message of support alongside Grape Food and Wine.
“Hospitality is such a small world, especially in Tasmania,” the post said.
The Brick Factory said many operators had worked together, shared staff and shared suppliers over the years and hoped those affected would not be out of work for long.
Two other businesses offered help to customers left without a venue for upcoming events.
The Hobart Workers Club offered free function room hire to anyone whose celebration, work function or farewell had been disrupted.
“We’re here to support our local hospitality community however we can,” it said.
Crowne Plaza Hobart made the same offer to people with events already booked at the closed venues.
“Get in touch with our events team and we’ll do everything we can to get you sorted, quickly and without the added stress,” it said.
