The Bridgewater Hotel on Loddon publicans will close their doors after two years of trading.
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Amanda and Robert Eastley have cited increasing costs of utility bills and poor trade as the main reasons for ceasing trade.
“We’re sad as this is not something we wanted to do, but our hand has been forced,” Mrs Eastley said.
“We have been here for a few years and the number of small businesses which have closed is horrendous.”
During operation the pair were confronted with quarterly electricity bills in excess of $3000 and gas bills averaging $900 per month.
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She also said a lack of support from local customers had also contributed to their pressures.
“If people aren’t going to support country pubs, they won’t be able to keep operating,” she said.
“People just take it for granted that they’re (pubs) going to be around, I know we’re not the only one in the area that’s about to close.
“Most of our daily trade came from people passing by, however, there were a handful of locals who supported us and have done all the right things to try and help us.
“People think they can visit us one day per week which just isn’t enough for us to keep operating.”
Over the last five months Amanda and Robert also had to cut back the number of staff on their rosters from 15 down to six.
The Bridgewater Hotel on Loddon will join a list of other pubs throughout central Victoria that have also recently closed due to similar financial strains.