General News
10 August, 2024
Publicans maintain the cheers
Wimmera publicans say they are continuing to do well despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and increases in beer prices.
They spoke positively at a recent Pubs, Pots and Profits event at Horsham's Victoria Hotel.
At the event organised by Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Victoria, CEO Paddy O'Sullivan said the aim was to allow members to network and receive guidance and support from corporate industry partners.
"It's to get them thinking about how they can make their pub more attractive for customers," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"That's the main focus and to ensure how they can operate in a compliant and safe way."
Horsham's Victoria Hotel publican Mark Fitterer said the venue had continued to provide "good food and good hospitality" to customers.
"We are still quite busy," Mr Fitterer said.
"We've got the only self-serve salad bar in Horsham."
Nick Murray, publican of Horsham's Exchange Hotel, said people were still out and about making the venue "really busy and vibrant".
"We're doing surprisingly good," Mr Murray said.
In Natimuk, the National Hotel has seen more tourists travelling through town and stopping at the pub.
"The winter has been colder than usual but we're doing well," Bill Lovel said.
However, with the latest rise in beer prices they have noticed customers switching up their preferences, opting for more mid-strength and no-alcohol beers.
"People are shopping around more and experimenting," Mr Murray said.
"They have the brands they're loyal to but some are changing."
Mr Fitterer said their drinks sales were down a bit.
"We've noticed when a family comes in the parents have a drink and the kids will have a water," Mr Fitterer said.
"It's the reality - what can you do about it?"
Being an "isolated" pub, Dimboola's Vic Hotel is continuing to do well with the tourist market.
Publican Stoph Pilmore said business had been "pretty consistent".
"People out here tend to have little debt and have more of a disposable income," Mr Pilmore said.
"We're in our normal downturn cycle but when footy finals hit we'll get more in."
When it came to drink sales, Mr Pilmore said RTDs were still fairly popular alongside the mid-strength and no-alcohol beers.