Spottiswoode Hotel sells after tax hike
A year after its owner made headlines warning he could not pay a Brumby government imposed $30,000 annual licence fee – the popular watering hole known by locals as “The Spotty” has sold for $2.335 million and will be replaced with a high-end restaurant.
Until recently the 1885 Spottiswoode Hotel at 62 Hudsons Road, on the north-east corner of Hall Street, Spotswood, traded four days a week.
Because of a 14-minute cabaret strip show however, the state ALP in 2009 deemed the hotel a high risk club and increased its annual licence from $3500.
The decision was criticised for targeting small venues which it was unlikely the community would protest about.
It also defied the government’s own research showing no link between the venues and alcohol-related violence.
Liquor licence director Sue McLellan issued 20 venues the $30,000 fee regardless of profitability or size.
Other affected small venues include the Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club and the Hustler Club Maxine Fensom which previously paid a $309 annual licence fee.
The Spotswood Hotel has been purchased by another hotelier and will reopen as a restaurant according to Castran’s John Castran who brokered deal.
