Merbein Hotel has closed following a legal dispute between its publican and landlord

The only hotel in a town in the state’s thirsty northwest has been forced to shut due to a legal dispute between the publican and the landlord.

Travis Lindsay, publican of the Merbein Hotel, has vowed to keep fighting despite having to close the pub’s doors. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

The state’s most northern town has lost its only pub — and heartbeat — after a dispute between the landlord and publican turned the taps off.

Merbein Hotel publican Travis Lindsay broke the news to locals on social media on Friday.

“We are so saddened to inform our valued customers and the community of Sunraysia that we have been forced to close our doors at Merbein Hotel effective at the close of trade tonight,” the post read.

Mr Lindsay said he was devastated to have to make the call, but felt he had no other option.

“We’ve spent a lot of money to repair certain parts of the building, so we’re just trying to get something back for what we’ve put in,” he said.

The legal dispute, which has been brewing for at least a year, has taken a significant toll on Travis and his team, he said.

The Merbein Hotel on Game St has been forced to close.

“We’re hoping to have our day in court, and we’ll be able to sort through all the mess and be able to come back, that’s the plan, but until that time – we can’t be here.”

The Herald Sun contacted the Lang family, the owners of the pub, who acknowledged the hotel was closed due to a legal dispute, but didn’t wish to comment any further due to potential legal ramifications.

Friday night saw the pub packed with patrons, a final show of support from a community known for rallying around its own in tough times.

“The place was packed on Friday night. People really got around the pub. When things are tough in Merbein, people always get behind you, we are famous for that,” Mr Lindsay said.

He said one of the hardest things was to inform staff they no longer had jobs.

“Unfortunately we had to let them all go. The full timers will get paid, obviously, but it is especially tough on the casual staff, particularly because there has been virtually no notice,” he said,

Mr Lindsay said he was hopeful of finding a location, most likely in Mildura, to continue in the hospitality business.

“We want people to know, we will keep fighting, and hopefully one day we will be back,” Mr Lindsay said.

“Every town has got to have a pub.”