I would suggest the February and August regular tax hikes implemented by the government in power in the early eighties is now having a massive effect.
Ill health was the cause for me having to go off beer four years ago.
In many ways I am glad that is so as I believe in some local pubs now it is over $8 for the standard schooner.
Almost impossible for the average bloke going to the pub a few days a week to sustain that.
On top of that the high cost of beef, lamb etc really makes some pubs non-viable in terms of a profit from the kitchen.
I know in NSW the only avenue for some pubs to survive is the pokies.
Throw in high electricity, insurance etc costs and pubs are really going to struggle down the track.
One local publican told me over a beer a few years ago he had 73 electrical appliances in his (small) bar.
He said back then he was losing $1,000 a week in the kitchen and it had a great reputation and was well supported by patrons.
A lot of the local drug dealers used to "wash" their extensive profits through his pokies, and without the bandits in his back room the pub was not a viable proposition.
I would suggest the February and August regular tax hikes implemented by the government in power in the early eighties is now having a massive effect. Ill health was the cause for me having to go off beer four years ago. In many ways I am glad that is so as I believe in some local pubs now it is over $8 for the standard schooner.
Almost impossible for the average bloke going to the pub a few days a week to sustain that. On top of that the high cost of beef, lamb etc really makes some pubs non-viable in terms of a profit from the kitchen. I know in NSW the only avenue for some pubs to survive is the pokies.
Throw in high electricity, insurance etc costs and pubs are really going to struggle down the track. One local publican told me over a beer a few years ago he had 73 electrical appliances in his (small) bar. He said back then he was losing $1,000 a week in the kitchen and it had a great reputation and was well supported by patrons.
A lot of the local drug dealers used to "wash" their extensive profits through his pokies, and without the bandits in his back room the pub was not a viable proposition.
Regular tax increases probably had an effect on hotel custom & profitability, but successive governments of both complections had ample opportunity to repeal or change that
legislation.
I love Bollon as a place to stop over. Just soo peaceful going for an early morning or a sunset paddle along the milky water of the river and a nice camping spot right in the middle of town. I use several photos of the main street including one with an Emu crossing the road towards the pub as wallpaper on my laptop.
As a youth in the 1960's I spent a lot of time in that area hunting wild pigs and the like. Had many a beer & Amity Rum chaser in that pub .. no problems with underage drinking (or DUI) in those days.
Back in the day, a local Grazier parked a Rolls Royce in a tumble down shed in the main street. When he was going to town he would swap his beat up farm ute for the roller and head off. Wasn't just a rumour 'cause we peaked in the shed and saw it. circa 1965
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 26th of February 2025 12:16:14 PM
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 26th of February 2025 12:19:07 PM
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 26th of February 2025 12:20:49 PM
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 26th of February 2025 12:24:55 PM
Sorry to hear about the hotel burning down.
Unfortunately pubs have been losing their appeal for some time, probably beginning with the RBT. Once they were the bastion of young blokes and old buggers. After teenage years other things prevail whilst the old blokes go to the big pub in the sky.
Clubs are more spacious and probably safer and more comfortable for regulars. Also, they are easier when avoiding the local bore.
Alcohol once was affordable in relation to income. Sadly, no longer.
Sorry to hear about the hotel burning down. Unfortunately pubs have been losing their appeal for some time, probably beginning with the RBT. Once they were the bastion of young blokes and old buggers. After teenage years other things prevail whilst the old blokes go to the big pub in the sky. Clubs are more spacious and probably safer and more comfortable for regulars. Also, they are easier when avoiding the local bore. Alcohol once was affordable in relation to income. Sadly, no longer.
It certainly was. Or at least seemed to be.
In relation to beer that is. Not so much with wine perhaps.
