The Owners of Preston Haunt Hard Rubbish Are Giving Away Their Bar for Free

The local legends behind home-spun Preston bar Hard Rubbish have put out an invitation to all the like-minded aspiring publicans of Melbourne. They're giving away their Plenty Road venue — for free.

Having clocked up 6.5 years at the wheel and earned themselves a loyal crew of regulars along the way, owners Charlotte Tizzard, James Tizzard and Katie Smith have decided it's time to pass the baton onto some new faces with the time and energy to steer the bar into its next phase of life.

They're not out to make bank off it either. Instead, the trio is offering up their venue free of charge, mainly "because f*ck capitalism", but also so that they and their community can help choose who gets to take the reins from here on out.

If you're sitting asking yourself, "what's the catch?", you're probably not alone. So, the Hard Rubbish folk have published a handy guide talking through what they're doing, why they're doing it and exactly how you can apply to be the bar's next head honcho.

Basically, while the bar itself is being passed on for free, the new owner will have to take on the payments of its rent, utilities, suppliers and all that jazz, which means demonstrating an ability to handle covering those costs for at least the first few months.

It's also a package deal as far as the current staff goes, who the owners describe as being "the reason this place is what it is" — they'll all need to stay on and they'll get a big say in who ends up being their new boss.

 

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The biggest condition of all, though, is that whoever takes on the task will need to keep this northside drinking destination as cool, laidback and loveable as it always has been. Slick, brightly-lit wine bars and Degani cafes are strictly forbidden.

The Hard Rubbish crew are inviting eager prospective bar owners to apply by emailing through a proposal before Saturday, October 15, calling especially on existing regulars and any hard-working folks who have "a cool vision" for the bar's future.

Applicants will need to answer a few questions and respond to key criteria to help determine whether they're a good fit, considering things like which direction they'd take the drinks menu in, what hours they'd plan on trading, and what their immediate and long-term vision is for the bar's aesthetic.

Shortlisted proposals will then be presented at a Q&A session for locals in November.

Find Hard Rubbish at 670 Plenty Road, Preston. If you're keen to be its new owner, check out all the details on the website and email your proposal to [email protected].