Smoking ban may be death of pub
The smoking ban in bars has forced Mark and Raewyn Payne to consider closing Dannevirke’s iconic Masonic Hotel.
During the last six months, profits have been $115,000 down on last year and the couple have had to let their two full-time staff go, putting a bed in a room behind the bar so they can take turns out front.
They took over the business two years ago but are now thinking seriously about closing.
“No matter which option we take, it’s inevitable the Masonic will have to close,” she said.
Source: Hawke’s Bay Today. Link
