The Royal Hotel was on the up in 2019.
Years of building the business were finally starting to pay off for owners Paul Lowe and Leigh Bushell-Lowe.
They had grand plans for their business and were enjoying the relationship and reputation they had built with the Seymour and district community.
It’s in stark contrast to 2021, when the couple find themselves in the same position as all hospitality venues, trying to scrape together enough money to reach the end of yet another lockdown.
Once they overcame the initial shock of their business and livelihood being shut down, the couple was initially positive.
Like many, they felt the closure of their business was an important part of saving lives and a temporary setback for the good of their community.
But depleted savings, rising debt and a never-ending stream of bills has the couple struggling to justify their sacrifice.
“All the nice words about doing our bit for the community don’t change the facts. Continued lockdowns mean we lose everything,” Mr Lowe said.
“Of course, we understand we can’t just throw the doors open and let COVID run riot, but there has to be a middle ground.
“We can’t open except for takeaway but 10 minutes down the freeway pubs are allowed to have people inside. It doesn’t make sense.
“And then to be told we can open but only with 10 people inside the venue – that’s a huge slap in the face. Most people would understand it’s close to impossible to break even with such ridiculous limits.
“We managed to have some better weeks when the density limits were in place, and the industry is begging the government to bring that back.”
The management of lockdowns and the ongoing struggle to receive financial assistance has also been a problem for the couple.
“To prepare for a weekend of trading and be told on Saturday you’ll have to close the doors at 1pm is devastating,” Mrs Bushell-Lowe said.
“You’ve bought all your food and alcohol and suddenly have no way of selling it or paying for it. The bills for everything start coming in and debt accumulates.
“We hoped that government support would be easily accessible, considering our ability to make a living has been taken away.
“But we have continually hit roadblocks trying to get the right amount of funding and prove we are eligible for support.
“Even if we were granted all the financial support available, it would be a drop in the ocean of what we’ve lost and continue to lose.”
Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said the administration of the Licensed Hospitality Fund had been inadequate.
“The Licensed Hospitality Fund is distributed according to the size of the venue — $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000,” Ms Ryan said.
“Leigh and Paul should be eligible for the $20,000 but are only being paid $5,000.
“I think the administration of the fund has been bungled and people like Leigh and Paul should be qualifying for the $20,000.
“They are drowning in invoices and not receiving the support they should be eligible for from the Victorian Government.”
Ms Ryan said the patron cap of 10 people was crazy and didn’t take into account the size of a venue.
“A small café can have the same number of people as a pub or winery with an enormous floor space,” she said.
“For many venues it means they can’t cover their overheads and will go backwards if they open.
“Every time we come out of lockdown the restrictions for hospitality change and that is making it very difficult for venue owners.
“Everyone had got used to the density limits and there has been no evidence or justification from the Victorian Government as to why those rules suddenly changed.
“I want to see it move back to a density quotient that takes into account the size of a venue and sets patron caps accordingly.”
For Paul and Leigh, Mitchell Shire’s extended lockdown and unworkable eased restrictions mean the waiting game on borrowed time continues.
“We are so thankful for our loyal customers who have supported us, staff and suppliers who have stuck with us, and the guidance and assistance given by the Australian Hotels Association,” Mr Lowe said.
“We will hold on for as long as we can and try to keep our head above water in the hope of brighter days.
“But for the time being, The Royal Hotel will only be a storage shed for tables and chairs.”
The Victorian Government was contacted for comment.