March 23 was a night of shock for hospitality professionals across the state, as the news broke that venues would be shutting down.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"It was the first time since opening we had had to shut down, outside of power outages and kitchens closed which at the time we thought was stressful but now we just laugh about them," Mr Daking said.
"We were left with a lot of beer and food stock as orders had just come in. So we converted to a takeaway joint straight away, and changed our business model overnight.
"I always say, what's worse than a pub without beer, it's a pub without people. And on March 23 we had both."
To mark one year since the taps were turned off and pubs felt silent, Lion [the owner of James Boag's] is declaring Tuesday, March 23 as the inaugural 'National Local Day' - encouraging people across the state to get out and support their local pubs.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Boag's state sales manager John Burchill said March 23 was a dark day in history for the hospitality industry.
"Not only was it the first-time pubs and clubs had to shut their doors to their communities - ever, it was the first-time the James Boag's Brewery in Launceston has ever had to stop its keg line," Mr Burchill said.
"Lion is declaring 23 March 2021 the inaugural National Local Day - to mark the anniversary of our local pubs and clubs falling silent - and to celebrate the resilience that has kept them going, and James Boag's is proud to be leading the charge in Tasmania.
"We should never take these venues - and the invaluable role they play in bringing communities together - for granted."
Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief executive Steve Old said the day was a timely reminder to support the industry.
"There is still a long way to go for Tasmania's pubs," Mr Old said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner