Business owners unite for Perth campaign

Sneakers & Jeans, The Royal, and Mary Street Bakery are among 40 local hospitality businesses backing a new campaign, encouraging Western Australians to explore the city as it prepares to move into phase four of lifting coronavirus restrictions. 

A selection of businesses will be profiled and amplified across social media as part of the campaign, which is supported by Visit Perth.

The City of Perth will also offer $10 all-day parking and free short-stay options to help encourage more visitors to the city.

Speaking at the campaign launch at Yagan Square this morning, Sneakers & Jeans owner Andy Freeman – who is behind bars The Flour Factory and Varnish on King – said hospitality owners were thrilled to see WA move into phase four of lifting virus restrictions.

“Now is the perfect time for Perth locals to come back into the city to experience, explore and enjoy the atmosphere and unique offerings from our city based small businesses,” Mr Freeman said.

From Saturday, the 100/300 person cap at venues will be removed, with patron limits to instead be determined by the state’s two square metre rule, and there will no longer be a requirement to be seated at bars, pubs and restaurants.

Owner of the Royal, John Parker, said nightlife activity had dropped by 93 per cent in April, when coronavirus restrictions were at their peak.

The CBD-based workforce, estimated to be around 150,000, had also dropped by more than 60 per cent in April, while Northbridge experienced a 90 per cent plunge in visitors.

However, City of Perth data has estimated around 75 per cent of the CBD-based workforce had returned since COVID-19 restrictions were eased.

“We’re starting to see some recovery; however, we are calling on the community for their support as we try to recreate the vibrant, welcoming and diverse city atmosphere we all know and love,” Mr Parker said.

“We are a unique, global city in the amount of local businesses we have, which are the lifeblood of the Perth community.

“Now is the time for us to work together, explore our own backyard and support local by visiting the city once more.”

Other small businesses in support of the campaign include Chocolatier, Pigeonhole, Fox & Rabbit, Street X, and Two Feet & a Heartbeat.