While the last 24 hours have undoubtedly been some of the most challenging hours this industry has ever faced, one pub operator has taken an innovative approach to staying open.

Martin Short of W. Short Hotels has transformed several of his local pubs into local essential convenience stores in a bid to keep staff and suppliers working.

Pubs, clubs and bars across Australia have been forced to close their doors in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, but Short has re-purposed the public bars at the Tudor Hotel in Redfern and Royal Hotel in Leichhardt into convenience stores.

The new stores will sell daily essentials such as fresh food, pantry staples, toilet paper and sanitizer, beer, wine, spirits to help provide some comfort to the local communities.

The group said: “This is a chance for the community to support and buy local and avoid the crowds and panic at the supermarkets.

“The Initiative has been created in a bid to safely help our communities, provide a level of convenience and comfort to locals and keep people in a job during these unsettling and ever-changing times.”

The Group has also team up with a butcher and a baker and is partnering with the pub’s suppliers and local producers to try and ensure continuity and keep the quality of the products available high.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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