Business had only just recovered from last lockdown when cancellations started rolling in
When Brisbane was plunged into a five day lockdown in January, it took Chris Edwards' business two months to recover.
Now, with the state under a new three day snap lockdown, he fears it won't ever bounce back.
The lockdown was announced after four new cases of community transmission were detected yesterday, bringing the state's cluster to seven.
The CEO of Australian Catering Services told Today the closures have been "horrendous" and "immediate".
READ MORE: Shorten lashes vaccine rollout as millions are plunged into lockdown
You can sign up for the Today newsletter here. Today
The catering business has been hard hit by lockdowns. Facebook
"It's very tough on us and of course our staff," Mr Edwards said.
"In January it set us back about two months in the confidence stakes — people wanting to have parties and everything.
"It's going to be devastating."
Mr Edwards said the next week of bookings have already been cancelled, despite the fact the lockdown being tipped to last three days.
The lockdown came a day after JobKeeper ended and Mr Edwards fears for his staff. Today
Adding to the businesses' issues is the fact that JobKeeper, a COVID-19 safety net, ended on Sunday.
"We're having a bit of déjà vu," Mr Edwards said.
"Around this time last year, when we went into April and May, we had zero income. We couldn't do any functions
"We went from 108 last year down to to 28 on JobKeeper. We've gradually rebuilt to 92.
"If this is an extended lockdown of any nature we run a real risk of potentially losing some of those great team members.
"We want to support them as best we can. We don't have the JobKeeper safety net anymore so it will be coming out of our pocket."
Brisbane lockdown area Nine
Tourism and Transport Forum Chief Margy Osmond said the hospitality and tourism industry is "teetering on the edge of the precipice" without JobKeeper.
"There's no safety net," Ms Osmond said.
"My real fear is that this will knock traveller confidence again it will be months before we get back to the level we've been seeing.
"Every state has responded differently. Travellers are confused. Businesses are confused".
Mr Edwards said more notice before lockdowns would help businesses reduce wastage, help staff prepare for a loss of shifts, and allow facilities to implement COVID-Safe measures.
Join the Today show family and give yourself the chance to win great prizes by signing up to our weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday with a special message from Karl and Ally. You can sign up for free here.
We’d love to hear from you
