Vic businesses invoice for AFL holiday

Regional Victorian businesses who will lose money thanks to a new AFL Grand Final eve public holiday have sent invoices to the state government.

The holiday means even businesses hundreds of kilometres from the MCG have to pay double-time-and-a-half to employees the day before the big game.

"I felt it was just a joke. I really didn't think it could be possible," Jacqui Ingram told AAP.

The Sale businesswoman sent a $1500 invoice covering rent, rates, insurance, and wages paid to Flying Colours Travel staff.

"My staff don't even follow the football. They also think that it's just a day off," she said.

Yellow Belly Deli owner Nicholas Wright invoiced the government for about $600 in wages and rent for his Bairnsdale business.

"We will not be opening on that Friday," he said.

"Realistically, most of (the shops opening) will be doing it for charity."

Mr Wright didn't expect large numbers of tourists to leave Melbourne for the long weekend.

Small Business Minister Philip Dalidakis did not respond to questions about whether the invoices would be paid - although neither business owner actually expected the government to stump up the cash.

Mr Dalidakis said it was up to individual businesses if they stayed open on public holidays.

"We govern for all Victorians and nothing within the submissions made us want to reconsider our election commitments," he told AAP.