‘Desperate’ Aussie pub appeals to drug addicts and alcoholics in job ad

A Tassie pub at risk of closure has made a last-ditch effort to attract summer staff, calling on drug addicts and those with criminal records to apply. The owner of the Weldborough Hotel, situated in a town of just 22 people, four hours from Hobart, made the desperate plea on Facebook in a post that has since been deleted. Though some deemed it “unprofessional”, the job advert received an overwhelmingly positive response. “We’re hiring,” the post began. “We are looking for high achievers who have proven experience in a high pressure environment, ideally with references from Gordon Ramsay or Heston Blumenthal. “Actually, who are we kidding? We are desperate for staff.” The owner claimed the pub was facing critical staff shortages over the summer period that could force it to close. “Police record? Who cares?” they said. “Drug habit? Join the club. “Alcoholic? Don’t get me started … “Looking for kitchen and front of house staff. If I can’t find anyone before Xmas, I won’t have a business after Xmas.” The pub revealed this week it was able to make five offers of employment to casual and part-time kitchen and front of house staff. “We now have a crew of 10 staff from the local area to carry us through the summer season,” the owner said on Monday. “To the people that told me the post was unprofessional and a bad look, I will take that feedback and raise you the five new staff. “Better yet: come to the pub and experience the service and the food and then call us unprofessional.” Though divisive, the advert seemingly had the desired effect and attracted mass attention from Facebook users. The pub’s owner said running the venue had been a “privilege” and they were looking forward to staying open after Christmas. “It has been, frankly, humbling to see how quickly people were prepared to reach out and offer help,” the owner said in a Facebook post. “Whilst we were looking for staff and really short, we are not the only venue in this area in that boat. “So, to the people that have sent resumes and made phone calls, we can’t thank you enough for your interest … given that you were prepared to reach out to us, we will do what we can to forward good people on to other venues in the area.”