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ONE of Bendigo’s late-night haunts has closed its doors after 17 years, with the owners suggesting an evolving social scene had forced their hand.
The Black Swan Hotel, which was one of three local venues licensed to serve alcohol until 5am, poured its last drinks on Sunday evening.
“People don’t seem to support live music like they used to,” said co-licensee Alysia Bazzani.
“It’s a different world from when we started, the landscape has changed so much in recent times that it is not sustainable to continue the business in current form.”
The venue was unsuccessfully put up for sale in 2015.
Co-licensee Andreas Bazzani said it was a tough decision to close the hotel, The Perch Nightclub and The Icon Bar.
“Whilst feeling sad to say goodbye, we can hold our heads high knowing our team has provided Bendigo with a vibrant nightlife destination delivering some of the best events, parties and live music over the last 17 years,” he said.
Ms Bazzani thanked her loyal and supportive team and patrons “who have contributed to our incredible memories”.
She said the 5am licensing privilege was transferable to new tenants.
“The book has now closed on our chapter; the venue is ready for the next operator of the iconic Black Swan Hotel to make their mark and we wish them well,” she said.
The iconic hotel on McRae street has hosted marriages and has been part of the social fabric of many Bendigonians, according to Ms Bazzani.
However the venue, which catered for mainly 25-35 year-olds, has fallen victim to reduced foot traffic in the CBD during the evening, Ms Bazzani said.
“Times have changed in town there’s not enough people going out anymore to sustain the amount of current nightlife venues in the CBD,” said Ms Bazzani, who suggested social media had also impacted on the way people associated.
Ms Bazzani said her parents, who own the building, were actively looking for new tenants.
The venue, which is licensed to hold 799 people, has not changed changed hands since opening in 2001.
The City of Greater Bendigo introduced a by-law preventing the issue of further late licences in 2008, meaning the Black Swan, and two other venues, were the only locales allowed to serve alcohol until 5am.