Vic businesses slam AFL GF holiday

The majority of Victorian businesses shut on the AFL grand final eve public holiday with some incurring losses up to $500,000.

The Australian Industry Group reports 75 per cent of businesses paid extra labour costs at an average of $14,000 in penalty rates and additional hours to make up for lost time.

"Football Friday was a major burden for the state's businesses and the government needs to rethink any plans for bringing it back next year," AI Group Victorian director Tim Piper said.