After 27-years, iconic Melbourne rock and roll pub The Tote has closed.
Thousands gathered at the Collingwood venue yesterday for last drinks.For many, the closing of The Tote is seen as a nail in the coffin of live music.
Licensee Bruce Milne blamed new liquor laws that meant added security and additional costs as the last straw.
By keeping inner Melbourne “safer” and controlling the out of control bar scene in the Central Business District, The Tote in the fringe suburb of Collingwood also had to abide by the new regulations.
This would have meant adding two security guards at $40 a head whenever a live band was playing. When the bands inside are unsigned and the punters are getting a free gig, it was just too much.
Dan Kelly, The Drones, Dave Graney and Eddy Current were amongst 26 acts who farewelled The Tote from 2.20pm yesterday.
Melbourne has lost out, live music has lost out and the music fans have lost out.
