Owners To Decide On Future Of Shut Pub

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday July 2, 2008

By BEN SMEE

THE Duck's Nuts Hotel in Newcastle West has closed its doors, with a decision on its long-term future expected in the next few days.

The Herald understands the decision to close the doors is related to trading restrictions imposed on Newcastle inner-city hotels. It is believed Duck's Nuts licensee Venessa Loades-Fa'asolo will meet the hotel's owner this week.

Ms Loades-Fa'asolo would not comment yesterday.

The Duck's Nuts, which was closed at the weekend and had not reopened since, might not be the last venue to shut as a result of the new restrictions.

Newcastle licensed venues have complained about financial pressures in recent months, following the introduction of the lockout and curfew imposed in March by the Liquor Administration Board.

In May, The Herald reported several Newcastle licensed venues were in danger of going out of business before the end of the year.

Industry sources said hotel takings during typical peak times had been as low as 35 per cent of those from before the introduction of the curfew and lockout.

Financial documents from several hotels, including the Duck's Nuts, were tendered as supporting evidence for an application to suspend the decision on licensing restrictions until an appeal could be heard.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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