Garry Laskey selling iconic Launceston pub after 18 years
Garry Laskey is retiring and selling the Commercial Hotel, the Mersh, a locally-beloved Launceston pub he has run since 2008.
Mr Laskey is stepping back from the Commercial Hotel, known locally as the Mersh, after 18 years. Garry and wife Donna now have time to retire and travel.
The pub sits on the corner of George and Cimitiere streets and dates to the 1800s. The Commercial Hotel offers meals, a beer garden, sports bar, live music and gaming.
Insurance costs have exploded from about $14,000 to $80,000 a year, making the business harder to run. Staff shortages and tighter regulations add to the pressure.
The asking price is more than $400,000 plus stock, and 70 buyers have already enquired, including from New Zealand.
- 18
- Years operating
- $80,000
- Annual insurance now
- More than $400,000 plus stock
- Asking price
- 70
- Buyer enquiries
Why it mattersThe sale signals another family business struggling with rising costs and changing industry conditions making hospitality increasingly difficult to sustain.
AustraliaRural pubs like the Mersh anchor community life in small towns, so the sale reflects broader challenges facing hospitality businesses across Australia as insurance and wage costs soar.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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