Bathurst 500: Venues hoping for trade boost after unusual '1000'

After local venues experienced an abnormal Bathurst 1000 trade period last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, an increase in ticketing options for this weekend's event indicates more visitors will be in attendance.

AHA NSW director of liquor and policing John Green said the unknown quantity of the event is reason enough for hoteliers to prepare for every possible scenario.

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"Bathurst is used to celebrating the 1000 each year as the pinnacle of motor racing, so with Mount Panorama to host the season opener, it'll certainly add a different element as far as attendance is concerned," Mr Green said.

"As a result, there's a big question mark among local hoteliers as to what attendance will look like, so it will be important to keep an open mind."

With Bathurst now 10 months free of new COVID cases [and NSW 38 days free], Mr Green hopes eased venue restrictions will entice visitors to patronise local venues over the weekend.

"Race events in Bathurst, especially the 1000, are a key source of revenue to keep locals in jobs," he said.

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"With COVID-restrictions still in place, venues are allowed one patron per two square metres in regional NSW and patrons are able to stand outside, so we'd like to see good numbers on the weekend to give this year a good kick-start."

Mr Green said the move to Service NSW's QR code system has made it easier to log venue attendance, and hoteliers have had ample time to hone their COVID-safe plans.

"Measures such as sign in, social distancing and sitting down inside have become commonplace for hoteliers and their staff to implement, so we encourage patrons to heed these directions," he said.

"The AHA will work closely with local police [as we do during every local Supercars event] to ensure the safety of staff and patrons."

George Hotel owner Matt Harrowsmith said the venue is looking forward to the prospect of a busy trade period on the back of the race.

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"We've ordered up and have extra staff ready for what we hope will be a busy weekend of patronage," Mr Harrowsmith said.

"Our hotel rooms are fully booked for the weekend, so there's early indications we'll enjoy a fruitful period of trade, but we don't really know what to expect, as a Supercars round hasn't been held this early in the year for quite some time."

"Last year's Bathurst 1000 was no different to a normal week for us, so we really hope this event helps make up for it."

"We've spent many months honing our COVID-safe plan, so we anticipate things will run smoothly."

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