9.45pm, 22nd March, 2020
The Prime Minister has tonight announced that registered clubs, along with other hospitality venues, are required to cease operating from midday, Monday 23 March 2020, so as to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The Covid-19 situation continues to worsen and this development presents an unprecedented challenge for theclub industry. The Prime Minister has advised that the government expects these measures to be in force for six months, to be reviewed on a monthly basis.
Consider the Forced Closure advice issued by ClubsNSW as a priority
There is significant work to be undertaken for the first few days and weeks following a forced closure. A closure checklist has been prepared to alert clubs to the issues that need to be addressed. ClubsNSW strongly encourages clubs to consider the business continuity and forced closure advice issued by ClubsNSW in Circular 20-030 and take immediate steps to cease operations by midday 23 March 2020.
Workforce arrangements under a forced shutdown
For further information on workforce arrangements in the event of a forced closure please refer to the Workforce Planning FAQs previously released by ClubsNSW.
Government assistance
ClubsNSW will shortly provide separate advice to Member Clubs on the types of government assistance and support available to the industry, including the stimulus measures recently announced by the federal government.
5.30pm, 22nd March, 2020
Media reports today indicate that the NSW Government will shortly proceed to a comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services over the next 48 hours in an attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19. A decision will be made tonight at a meeting of the National Cabinet, with media reports advising that Premier Berejiklian will "update NSW tomorrow morning about the impacts and our plans following the National Cabinet".
Further details, including whether such a move will be state-wide or contained to certain areas, as well as what services will be considered ‘non-essential’ are not yet available. However, ClubsNSW advises that it is likely that clubs will be required to cease trading in the next 48 hours, upon the issuing of a formal lockdown order and recommends that clubs take steps to prepare for this eventuality.
Forced closure
The following is an extract of business continuity and recovery advice previously issued by ClubsNSW in Circular 20-030 regarding forced closure. A crucial first step is to notify and communicate with all stakeholders (i.e. staff, members, suppliers, financiers, industry bodies and statutory bodies where required).
There is significant work to be undertaken for the first few days and weeks following a forced closure. A closure checklist has been prepared to alert clubs to the issues that need to be addressed. We would recommend constant communication with members via social media platforms including Facebook, website, email and also by placing notices on the club’s doors. Communication should occur on a weekly basis or
whenever a change/update occurs.
Workforce arrangements
ClubsNSW has previously issued Workforce Planning FAQs which include how clubs should proceed in the event of a forced closure. Please visit the page for all details (you will be required to use your ClubsNSW login details to access this page), and contact the Member Enquiries Centre for any further questions.
ClubsNSW will notify Member Clubs of further information as soon as it is made available by the government
For more information or any questions, please contact the ClubsNSW Members Enquiries Centre.