Melbourne's Cherry Bar comes up with inventive way to pay the rent after five lockdowns
An iconic Melbourne bar has come up with an alternative way to stay afloat as venues struggle amid the latest Victorian lockdown.
Cherry Bar is synonymous with Melbourne's live music scene, but the city's five COVID-19 lockdowns and lingering restrictions are taking their toll.
"We haven't been able to trade at full capacity since March last year," owner James Young told 9News.
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James Young, owner of Cherry Bar in Melbourne has come up with a membership for rent scheme to help the venue through the city's fifth lockdown. Nine
Cherry bar has been a Melbourne institution since 1999. Nine
"For six of those months we have been totally closed ... the terrible thing is the income."
Things are now so tough, Mr Young has taken to social media, asking loyal fans and patrons to help pay the rent.
"They're going to help us in a membership scenario where we're hoping for $1 a day for individuals or $2 a day for business," he said.
"They can pay our monthly rent for us in return for a membership that has benefits such as discounted entry, drinks, special events and merchandise."
READ MORE: Victoria's COVID-19 cases climb with 26 new local infections recorded
Music venues across the city are hurting after a series of lockdown. Nine
The bar was due to celebrate its 21st birthday this year. Nine
Colloquially known as Melbourne's 'night mayor', Mr Young James is the city's official 'Chairman of the Night', engaged to revive the $3.5 billion night economy.
"We are the live music capital of the world, so I do think Melbourne is on the canvas, but don't underestimate us because we have given and we have risen," Mr Young said.
The lockdowns and restrictions have delayed Cherry Bar's 21st birthday celebrations, so with a little bit of help - the chance to mark that milestone will be the ... cherry on top.
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