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Studio 146 owner’s rallying call

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Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Studio 146 nightclub owner Jason Pages has called on hospitality workers to support each other.
Camera IconStudio 146 nightclub owner Jason Pages has called on hospitality workers to support each other. Credit: Laurie Benson

Albany nightclub owner Jason Pages says the hospitality industry must stick together through the “dark days” ahead.

Licensed venues have been forced to shut under Government restrictions to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

Studio 146, Albany’s only nightclub, has been owned and run by Mr Pages and his brother for the past 22 years but they have never seen times like these.

Mr Pages posted to Facebook at the weekend saying their industry was not just a job but a way of life, and hoped anyone going through difficulty would reach out for a chat.

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“Many of us won't be doing what we have loved doing on the other side of this,” he posted.

“Hopefully those left can rebuild an industry that has entertained and amused the masses for so long.

“Stay strong for those around you, let’s band together and agree to help each other through the dark days ahead.”

Mr Pages said he would be reaching out to fellow hospitality workers to get through the next couple of months and encouraged others to do the same to ensure those involved stayed healthy.

He said the pandemic had already had a major effect on hospitality in Albany but the tough times were still to come.

“Across hospitality, not just nightclubs but in general, has been in decline for five, six years now,” Mr Pages said.

“The margins are getting tighter and businesses don’t have that fat to carry them through if they are shut for a month or two.

“It’s a scary unknown, the insurance and rent doesn’t stop and the staff get laid off and the acts don’t get hired.

“I’ve been told expect up to six months (closed) but the vast majority of operators will not return without significant assistance.”

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