Goya Dmytryshchak
The Victoria Hotel in Yarraville has become another COVID casualty, citing lockdowns among the reasons it will close on August 8.
In an emotional Facebook post, the iconic hotel posted that entering the fifth lockdown had felt “surreal and we feel numb“.
“We honestly tried. For those who know us we are local, we are parents, employers, supporters of local charities and optimists,“ the post states.
“Unfortunately businesses are not like a light switch, turning off and then on again.“
The hotel said that little to no notice from the government ahead of lockdowns had cost thousands of dollars in losses.
“Government support has meant we’ve been able to retain some of our staff members whom have stood by our side, however with no relief on electricity, gas, water, insurances, licensing etc when we haven’t been able to trade we are still so behind,“ the post states.
“The level of anxiety that this has caused for us as business owners and our staff – just needlessly, we now just feel let down.
“We have come back after each lockdown with the ever hopeful optimism that as Melburnians we stand together and we will get through this, however this time we have nothing left to give, mentally and financially.
“With a heavy heart we will permanently close The Victoria Hotel Yarraville.“
The hotel declined to comment further.
Yarraville Traders Association president Carla Smith said COVID had been hard on everybody.
“It’s a real shame that the Vic had to close,“ she said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re not the only one in the near future that will be closing.“
