By Oliver Lees
The Macedon Railway Hotel is still not back to full capacity after a technical fire caused the pub to close its doors in June 2021.
Owner Stefanie Duzel had no choice but to close the pub’s front bar and bistro due to the extent of the damage.
The closure came off the back of months of extended lockdowns across Victoria, where hospitality venues were unable to welcome back patrons to their establishments.
Data released by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) on January 16 detailed the impact the pandemic had on pubs and clubs across the country.
Between July and September last year, the data indicated that 40 million fewer pints had been poured compared to the same three month period in 2019.
In 2020, more than $1 billion in revenue from beer sales was lost when compared with 2019.
Brewers Association of Australia chief executive John Preston said once the full figures are released, he believes 2021 will prove to be even more damaging for the industry.
“On average beer sales are around 70 per cent of alcohol sales volumes in licensed premises and a drop of this severity has hit pubs and clubs incredibly hard,” Mr Preston said.
Ms Duzel said despite the many challenges of the past two years, patrons still seemed eager to come to the pub when possible.
The hotel was able to welcome back customers to its bandroom in a limited capacity for live music earlier this month.
“We had a really good showing for the gig,” she said.
“I know in Melbourne, anywhere between 20 to 70 per cent of patrons haven’t been showing up to shows, but I think it’s a bit different in regional.
“I think that people are more concerned with COVID-19 in Melbourne, whereas in regional areas it’s more spread out and people feel more safe.”
Ms Duzel said she’s hopeful to reopen the pub at full capacity in March.
