Homeless, jobless after sudden SW pub closure
An iconic Bunbury pub has closed its doors in mysterious circumstances, leaving about 30 workers out of a job.
The Parade Hotel, managed by Maggie Newton, was closed on Wednesday morning and the only information available to the public was signs posted on the building's exterior advising it was "closed until further notice".
George Bagshaw, 69, worked and lived at the pub for a decade and believed he was only going to leave "in a box". Instead, he was forced to move out and said he was looking to work at another pub.
Mr Bagshaw said he arrived at work on Wednesday morning to find the doors open.
At first he thought the pub had been burgled but was later told it was closing its doors for good.
He said he was "sad, miserable and in shock" and believed many of the other workers had similar feelings.
"I have been here for 10 years and made a lot of friends and I thought I was going to be here forever and all of a sudden you are not welcome here, practically," he said.
Daniel Singleton was night manager at the Parade and was responsible for about 20 staff who were all employed on casual contracts.
He said he was a loyal employee of Ms Newton's for eight years but was not told of the closure.
The Australian Hotels Association had not been informed why the Parade had closed, said chief executive officer Bradley Woods.
"The closure of any business leaves people without work and creditors owed money," he said.
"It will be important for staff to contact their superannuation fund to establish what has been paid and to keep record of any monies owed."
Department of Consumer Protection regional coordinator Debbie Butler said the department had received one complaint regarding the closure.
Ms Newton and the owner of the hotel building could not be contacted for comment.
