THE Victorian Government's unfair liquor licensing fee increases are a threat to scores of country pubs, says IAN WHALLEY

The Weekly Times series, "Our Shout - Great Bush Pubs" tells some fascinating stories.

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Pubs in small rural communities have evolved from the old six o'clock closing, blokey public bar environments to almost the heart and soul of their respective communities.

The elderly lady quietly sipping on a lemon squash happily co-exists with the drinkers.

Kids and teenagers (under supervision) come and go in a safe environment.

The pub is a meeting place, sponsor of local sporting teams (footy, netball, cricket, pony club among others), fundraiser; a genuine community hub.

As the owner of a hotel in the small rural community of Merino, I can foresee a time in the not-too-distant future when the bush pub will be a thing of the past.

The impact of closures on small rural communities should not be underestimated.

There is no doubt the financial viability of these pubs is marginal.

Strong community patronage can only go so far to prop up the finances.

A combination of a myriad of fees, charges and premiums spiralling out of control and the impacts of rural population decline makes survival a battle.

Liquor-licence fees for my hotel have increased from around $900 last year to $2350 this year.

These increases have been well documented in the media, but where is the fairness in a bush pub with no prior licensing convictions having to shoulder such increases?

The stories of alcohol fuelled violence in metropolitan areas are almost daily occurrences but I cannot say that I have noticed any such stories about small rural communities.

Insurance premiums are another major obstacle with standard premiums for bush pubs now in excess of $10,000 annually.

It could be argued that this has principally resulted from our ever increasing litigious urban-based society but the impact on businesses in the bush is severe.

Throw in local government fees and charges for bistros and prescribed accommodation and the financial burden increases.

One would have thought bush pubs could find some relief in solar energy rebates, but being defined as commercial buildings, our participation in renewable energy is thwarted.

Bush pubs are unmistakably an important part of social capital worthy of meaningful support from all levels of government.

Here are just a few thoughts on a solution for Bush Pubs' survival:

  • Government acknowledgment of the important role of the bush pub in rural communities.
  • Reclassify the pub as a community building, opening the door for a wide range of targeted support, and
  • Governments to get their hands dirty and spend some time in our communities to grasp the issues confronting us.
  • Government should do more, and without delay.

The problems are real.