Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak scare hits restaurants and pubs as fearful patrons turn away

The entire hospitality industry is being warned to brace for a drop in business following the coronavirus outbreak after a series of functions were cancelled at one of the country's most famous breweries, while patronage continues to plummet at Chinese restaurants. Key points: Chinese restaurants say they have seen a record decline in patrons The drop in custom is blamed on fewer students, travellers and "irrational" fear The business lobby warns it's a sign of what's to come across the board The ABC understands Fremantle's Little Creatures Brewing, one of Australia's pioneering microbreweries, had 300 people across three functions recently cancel because of restrictions on travel. Chinese restaurant owners see bleak times ahead Many Chinese restaurants in Perth's busy Northbridge entertainment strip, which should be filled with crowds of hungry patrons, sat empty on the weekend. "We've had about 30-40 per cent downturn in numbers compared to December and January and over the Chinese New Year break, mainly because of the Government travel ban," he said. He said after a busy holiday season, Chinese New Year and a rise in international visitors to the state last year, for some restaurants the downturn might feel more significant than it is.