Public Opinion

BE PREPARED WHEN A CRISIS HITS

Posted on October 30th, 2026 by Jane Louise
When an incident puts a pub in the spotlight, the response can shape how customers, staff and the wider community perceive the business long after the immediate issue has passed. From a serious incident on the premises to negative media

US-STYLE TIPPING TESTS AUSSIE PATRON PATIENCE

Posted on October 28th, 2026 by Jane Louise
Tipping prompts are becoming increasingly common across Australian venues, but as US-style tipping culture creeps in, questions are being raised about where the money actually goes. The issue came to light after a post in an Australian bartenders’ Facebook group

ANONYMOUS FLYERS TARGET ICONIC BALMAIN PUB

Posted on July 13th, 2026 by Jane Louise
The reopening of one of Sydney's oldest pubs has reignited a long-running debate over the place of historic hotels in increasingly residential inner-city neighbourhoods. Balmain's Dry Dock Hotel, a heritage-listed venue that first opened in 1867, has become the focus

PUB DOGS IN THE DOGHOUSE AFTER COUNCIL VISIT

Posted on June 26th, 2026 by Jane Louise
Patrons enjoying a quiet drink at a Fitzroy pub last week were left surprised when City of Yarra officers wearing body cameras entered the venue to investigate a complaint. Their concern was not noise, violence or liquor licensing, but the

NEW OWNER REVIVES GIPPSLAND PUB AFTER TROUBLED PAST

Posted on April 22nd, 2026 by Jane Louise
A Gippsland country pub has been working tirelessly for over a year to regain its reputation following disciplinary action by the Victorian Liquor Commission (VLC) after Victoria Police had identified thirty-five incidents under the previous ownership. New owner of Hotel

MERIVALE BOOTED FROM GOOD FOOD GUIDE

Posted on October 10th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
A war of attrition is escalating between Hemmes’ hospitality juggernaut Merivale and media empire Nine Entertainment, as editorialising and accusations evolve into actions with potential. For years the Sydney Morning Herald has enjoyed the click-generating dichotomy of championing Hemmes as

CHEERS TO BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Posted on August 22nd, 2025 by Jane Louise
For pubs, building positive relationships with neighbours is vital. Liquor Control Victoria (LCV) says that keeping in touch, with open and respectful communication, can prevent issues before they escalate. Listening to concerns, taking complaints seriously and responding quickly can deescalate

CALL FOR VIC PUBS TO HELP SHAPE HOSPITALITY’S FUTURE

Posted on August 13th, 2025 by Jane Louise
All Victorian hospitality venues are being called upon to assist the Australian Hotels Association (Vic) (AHA Vic) in its new statewide patron survey. The first of its kind, ‘The Great Victorian Pub Survey’ will help Victorian pubs better understand their

TOP REASONS TO VISIT THE PUB: RESEARCH

Posted on June 6th, 2025 by Clyde Mooney
Consumer research out of the UK has homed in on the key factors people believe make for a great pub experience, offering insights for operators looking to increase stays and spend. The research identified distinct features that are seen as