Pubs and clubs survival checklist - what you can do in this difficult situation

To get the best possible outcome for your pub or club in this crisis, our Director Steve Gagel has put together the below summary of measures that both the Federal and State Governments have announced for business. He also provides a list of operational items you should consider. $17.6B Round One Stimulus Package

• Instant asset write off for new and second hand capital items under $150k (up from $30k) purchased between 12 March and 30 June 2020 (cars subject to luxury vehicle limit of $57,581).
• 50% asset write off for new only capital items (no cap for spend like above) 1 July 2020 – balance of 50% to be written off with standard rates.
• Wage subsidy of 50% of apprentice/trainee wages for up to 9 months between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2020 capped at $21k per quarter for small business with under 20 full time employees.
• To Register, click here 

$66B Round Two Stimulus Package (turnover up to $50M in 2019) 

• $50,000 to small and medium businesses in the new financial year (via PAYG Withholding Tax Reduction per above)
• Federal Government Guarantee half the value of new working capital bank loans by “eligible lenders” to small and medium companies (turnover up to $50M) to $250k repayable  over 3 years with a 6 month repayment holiday (early April to September 2020).
• New Bankruptcy laws for directors – greater protection.
• Early access to Superannuation for unemployed - $10k pre 30 June 2020 and another $10k post 30 June 2020 – (you should seek financial advice prior to engaging in this activity – should be considered your last possible option).

2. QLD GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

• Under $6.5M in Australian Taxable Wages - To apply, click here 
  • Refund of your payroll tax for the two months
  • Payroll tax holiday for 3 months
• Over $6.5M in Australian Taxable Wages
  • Deferral of Payroll Tax for 2020 calendar year - To apply, click here
  • Refund of payroll tax for two months - To apply, click here

• 25% Payroll tax waiver for April to June 2020 Quarter (payroll up to $10M)
• New Payroll Tax Threshold of $1M applied from 1 July 2020 (one year prior to previous start)
• Waiver of various fees & charges to small business
• Click here for Prosperity's summary of the NSW and QLD Stimulus packages.

Staff (Centrelink)

(a) Casual staff have largely been advised that they are no longer required due to the shutdown and employers have given separation certificates so that they can lodge with Centrelink asap for Job Seeker payment (previously known as Newstart). Will receive:

• an additional $550 per fortnight (on top of their existing payment) for the next 6 months.  Also, significant reduction in the eligibility criteria for such payments.
• Tax-free once-off payment of $750 to recipients of social security, veteran and other income support. Paid from 31 March 2020.
• Additional tax-free payment of $750 to the same type of recipients (both new and those previously eligible) from 13 July 2020.

Banking

• Drain and clean beer lines.
• Consider return of stock to your suppliers or transfer to bottle shops if available.
• Perishable food to be frozen or discarded.

Insurance

• Call your insurance broker and discuss your changed situation and consider reduced cover for business continuation and stock wastage.
• Call your insurance broker once you get operational again to increase cover.
• Beware of “unoccupied properties” as they are targets of arson, vandalism and injury to invaders themselves. Insurers advise to have some level of activity or supervision in the premises whilst you are shut down or face increased premiums. Discuss with your security provider.

Service Contracts - review all of these in place to see if there can be some relief or suspension until you get back into operation.

• Electricity – discuss with your service provider.
• Hire of Plant and Equipment – non essential plant should be returned.
• Land Tax and Rates – discuss with your council/government about repayment strategy.
• Rent – discuss matter with your landlord, don’t leave for them to contact you.
• Lease Payments – contact your provider for relief available.
• Telephones – ensure you gather management telephones not in use and cancel plans.

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