The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor had asked the hotel to close two weeks ago as it did not contain enough toilets to meet health and safety regulations.

Agricultural Region MLC Mia Davies said when hotel owner Michael Goodchild spoke to her about the closure, she made enquiries on his behalf to the department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor and to the Merredin Shire.

The pub has now been given a permit to operate with a transportable ablution block for 12 months, to allow more time for permanent toilets to be built.

“It’s a win for everyone involved. It seemed quite unreasonable that the hotel had to close,” Ms Davies said.

“We’ll keep working with the liquor licensing department to make sure the owners don’t face another closure, because the local pub is an important part of the community.”

The transportable ablution block will be set up in the beer garden and has cost the hotel $40,000.

It’s estimated the permanent toilet upgrade will cost about $200,000.

Mr Goodchild’s wife Kate said they were happy to be operating again.

“We really appreciate the level of local support we’ve received, as well as the support from Mia Davies, (Central Wheatbelt MLA) Brendon Grylls and the Shire of Merredin,” she said.

The hotel was popular with patrons when it re-opened at lunchtime on Friday.