Exclusive: The Tote Lives Again
News posted Thursday, June 10 2010 at 01:00 PM.
Related: The Tote.
After months of negotiations, it’s just about settled. The iconic pub on the corner of Johnston and Wellington Streets in Melbourne is expected to reopen as “The Tote” tonight (June 10).
Former proprietor Bruce Milne said he had reached an “agreement in principle” to transfer the pub’s name to new licenses Seventh Tipple, and he expected the pub to trade as “The Tote” when it reopens after five months at an invite-only launch for media and friends tonight.
The pub has been shut since late January after draconian liquor licensing regulations, including “high risk” security conditions and increased licensing fees, made it financially untenable for the Milnes (Bruce and his brother James). According to a report in The Age, new Liquor Licensing commissioner Mark Brennan approved the venue’s new licence at 4pm yesterday. However, the licensees will still have to apply to have The Tote’s “high risk” conditions rolled back.
Here’s what Milne had to say:
When I announced the Tote was shutting the doors in January, I was certain it was the end of an era, certainly the end of the Tote. I didn’t count on the overwhelming community reaction to the news.
That the Tote is reopening is a result of that reaction and the efforts of so many thousands of people that demonstrated, signed petitions, wrote letters and let their feelings be known. It’s the result of a lot of hard, behind-the-scenes, work by FG4LM and SLAM that has affected some real change in the way Liquor Licensing and the government treats live music in this state. There’s still a lot to be done but the future for live music looks a lot brighter than it did a few months ago.
I’m very happy that Jon, Sam and Andy have taken over The Tote. They went out on a limb and took over the licence without any firm guarantee that the high risk license conditions would be reversed. Their accountant must have told them they were crazy.
The Tote will be different but in lots of good ways. As it has under previous owners, The Tote will evolve. Just like Melbourne music.
It will continue to be run by music lovers. Many of the old staff can kiss the dole office goodbye as they have been re-employed. It will continue to be a second home for music lovers.
It’s a simple formula – have a beer, watch a band, chat with friends, moan about what should be on the jukebox. As Wally Meanie said, “It’s not rocket surgery!”
An official opening date for The Tote has not been set, but is expected to be announced at the media launch tonight. M+N will provide full coverage of the launch, including pictures of the new interior, tomorrow.
(Photo by Mat Govoni)
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Bruce should get a Gold Card that gives him and the missus free entry to any gig anywhere in Melbourne for the rest of their lives.
well, well, well.
it's like nothing ever happened.
so they bought the building?
the other article said they had leased it
They took over the lease. Chris Morris still owns the building.
but still, bloody azza!
Victory!
Good times!
Still not voting for Brumby!
everybody, the taco's are on me!
Guess it should say ''bought the business''.
Who cares though!
I hope ''Spiderland'' makes a return appearance on the jukebox.
I think gigs will start sooner rather than later.
I think gigs will start sooner rather than later.
eye
Now that the liquor license has come through, there's more certainty. It was touch and go there for a while. Kudos to the new Director for issuing the license within 24 hours, as opposed to his cursed predecessor. Now, please fix the rest of Victoria's licenses with similar haste.
can't wait to go back!
hooray!
I hope the addition of tacos doesn't equal the subtraction of BBQs.
Imagine if they had BBQ TACOS
It's great Bruce managed to sell the name off but I've always hated the name 'The TOTE' primary because of those horse racing places.
It makes it hard for retarded people to remember where to go to put some money on the cubs or lose their shit on the tubs.
Imagine how funny and cool it would be if they suddenly announced it was called RAMBO's or something.
sorry, I don't remember writing that.
Yayyyyyyy for the TOTE!
be about a dozen chats on this forum already booked to play there, yeah?
anyhow, wonder what it would take to get perring & co. interested in resurrecting the hopetoun...
Totey Tacos
From the Age, via anonymous in the other thread:
Revamped Tote set to rock again
PATRICK DONOVAN
New publicans Sam Crupi, Jon Perring and Andrew Portokallis in the refurbished but familiar interior of Collingwood's Tote pub. Photo: Wayne Taylor
THE famous jukebox has been upgraded, cider has been added to the range of beers on tap, and the new burnt-orange carpet doesn't stick to your feet.
But apart from a bit of spit and polish, the Tote will reopen tonight pretty much the same beloved, intimate rock venue that spurred thousands to protest when it was forced to close in January because of liquor licensing restrictions.
Tradesmen were working frantically on the finishing touches yesterday when The Age was the first media outlet invited to check out the refurbished Collingwood venue.
Most of the changes have been structural. Previous owner Bruce Milne had gutted the pub and sold off fixtures and memorabilia to pay legal costs incurred in trying to keep it open. New publicans Jon Perring, Sam Crupi and Andrew Portokallis bought some of the old posters and furniture to retain some of the old feel.
They have replaced rotten floorboards and the bar, and brought in a powerful new Nexo sound system. Columns that once blocked sightlines have been removed and steel beams have been inserted into the roof for re-enforcement.
A van has been set up in the car park to sell tacos through a hole in the beer garden wall.
In contrast to the sluggish response from the previous Liquor Licensing Commissioner, new commissioner Mark Brennan approved the new liquor licence at 4pm yesterday - within 24 hours of receiving the paperwork. The venue will be open four nights a week while the licensees apply to have its high-risk conditions rolled back.
Local rock band Eagle and the Worm will play at the industry-only opening tonight, while bands including the Spazzys, Midnight Wolf, Japanese garage rockers Jackie and the Cedrics and possibly the Johnnys will play over the next month. Plans for a street party have been put on hold, but that may happen later in the year.
Still at issue is the name. ''We're still in negotiations,'' said Mr Crupi. ''We're confident it will work out, but we have a contingency plan as well.''
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Saturday 10/7/10 CROW (syd)
yeeehah!
Jim Woff!
Anyone know any more Thursday night details?
its the day before friday.
Boom Tish
If you're living forwards in time, sure.
The Bakelite Age are playing and Billy Joel lives.
For now, sure.
Bakelite Age, Frowning Clouds and Ouch My Face, Thursday night at The Tote!
More info here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=136046316406285&ref=ts
Crow! Great, I have to look after the kids that night.
Shakes fist at parenthood.
Was told this place opens @ 4PM today, need to pick up some gear, can anyone confirm this?
I think it's 4pm tomorrow.
Nah, it's open today. I know this for a fact, just want to know what time.
The crow show could very well be on the 9th now.
JunkiePhil said 6 hours ago:
Nah, it AINT open today. I know this for a fact, just want to know what time I can't go there.
;)
Haha, hope ya got yr gear.
Playing times for tomorrow night are...
Bakelite Age 11.00 - 12.00
Frowning Clouds 9.50 - 10.30
Ouch My Face 8.50 - 9.30
Oh yeah, Crow has been moved to the 9th o' July.
Does anyone know if the booking email is the same for the Tote as before?
im pretty sure it is, amanda is booking there again so i guess she'd still have the same email address.
bookings@thetotehotel.com
thanks yo!