Hospitality NZ renews targeted payment call
Hospitality NZ says the slow pace of the Government’s newly announced transition plan will result in more hospitality and accommodation businesses collapsing or being irreparably harmed unless there is a targeted payment for the industry.
“This is devastating. It will be like a slow death for many businesses across the industry,” says Chief Executive Julie White.
“With changes to indoor settings in Auckland being Step 3 in the Government’s transition plan, it seems hospitality there will see no significant changes for three or four weeks – or longer – and many will not survive that long without help.”
White says the Government’s planned weekly Level reviews leave too much uncertainty.
“We know we must be very careful with Delta, and we agree restrictions are needed, but many businesses in Auckland are on their last legs, and it’s only a little better for those outside Auckland.
“We welcome the removal of the cap on seated and separated patrons in venues under Level 2 in the rest of New Zealand, but in reality, that will affect just a few. For the vast majority of businesses, little will change.
“Every day businesses cannot trade at anything close to normal is a day closer to them shutting their doors for good. That means family businesses and jobs lost. These businesses need targeted support from the Government.”
She says they are still waiting for a response to the suggestions presented to Government Ministers in mid-September. They included:
Making the wage subsidy available to all hospitality businesses at Level 2 as long as the business can show their revenue is down by at least 40%
Paying the Resurgence Support Payment more frequently to businesses impacted more by the lockdown at level 2 and higher. Where revenue is down 71%-100%, the payment can be claimed on a weekly basis; 51%-70%, every 2 weeks; 30%-50%, every 3 weeks
Issuing Targeted Travel Vouchers, which would be funded centrally and allocated regionally to stimulate targeted regional support where, when, and to the businesses/sectors who need it
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