This week’s industry news includes bars closing indefinitely in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hospo Threads, cocktail home delivery, hand sanitisers and more.
Manly Spirits Hand Sanitiser – Photo Supplied
Bars Close Indefinitely
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that as of midday Monday 23 March 2020, many non-essential services will shut down indefinitely. This means pubs, clubs, cinemas, casinos, gyms and most places of worship have closed their doors while restaurants and cafes will only be permitted to serve takeaways.
Hospo Threads
Hospo Threads is a new and evolving online marketplace meant to direct people to buy merchandise, products, sauces, pickles, whatever the venue, wherever the venue or producer is able to sell and ship. Co-created by Chau Tran (co-owner of Burrow Bar) and her brother TJ, they are working through adding new venues and producers every day as the data captured through the website is filled out. The service is available to all venues, in Australia and abroad. The way the marketplace has been set up means it’s up to the venues to fulfil their own orders, while Chau and TJ can help get them a digital footprint and a way to start selling straight away. Take a look at Hospo Threads here.
Cocktail Home Delivery
As reported in this article, small bars will be allowed to deliver cocktails directly to Sydney’s doorsteps from Tuesday 24 March 2020, as the NSW government lifted the licensing restrictions around supply of alcohol by licensed venues. Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello has signed an order on Monday afternoon allowing licensed venues in the state, including restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars, to provide takeaway and home delivery services.
The Statement of Regulatory Intent by Liquor and Gaming in NSW can be read here.
Happy Hour at Home Hampers
The Everleigh Bottling Co by Made in the Shade group in Melbourne (Bar Margaux, The Everleigh, Heartbreaker) has introduced a range of hampers to liven up ‘Happy Hour at Home’. The hampers feature their signature single-serve bottled classic cocktails (Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, Old Fashioned), glassware, and a copy of A Spot At The Bar, (recipe book and more, written by Michael and Zara Madrusan) and venue gift vouchers. Available via their website.
Distilleries Producing Hand Sanitisers
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several distilleries have begun producing and selling hand sanitisers to individuals and businesses following nationwide shortages.
Manly Spirits Co. Distillery is producing a Gin Aroma Hand Sanitiser by re-distilling some of their gin alcohol. Manly Spirits Co. Distillery’s hand sanitiser is available in 5L Tubs for community organisations and with every Manly Spirits product purchased, customers will receive a Manly Spirits Gin Aroma hand sanitiser free of charge. Limited to 1 per customer.
Archie Rose Distilling Co. has also turned its production to hand sanitisers. The Rosebery distillery has approximately 4,500 x 500ml bottles available to purchase pre-sale on the Archie Rose website. Archie Rose Hand Sanitiser (ABV: 65%) comes in 500ml bottle with Grapefruit, Cassia, Cardamom & Thyme and sells at a RRP $20.
Other News
- Alchemist Events, organisers of The Whisky Show have announced an Australian first with The Virtual Whiskey Show (American Style), a digital experience aimed at allowing consumers enjoy the whisky show from the comfort and safety of their homes. More information here.
- The upcoming edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 due to take place in Singapore on 14th May, will be switching from an on-the-ground event to a virtual awards ceremony and series of special awards. On Thursday, 14th May 2020, they will announce this year’s list in a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony, starting at 7pm Singapore time.
- Imbibe Magazine has announced that it has postponed Negroni Week until September 14-20, 2020 in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
- Diageo’s World Class has announced that it is postponing the 2020 World Class Global Finals which was due to take place in Sydney this year until 2021.
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