That point was made yesterday by Alexandra L.J. Hooker marketing consultant Elaine Schuck.
Ms Schuck said she began advertising the hotel for sale in early November and while there had been many inquiries and talk of locals buying it, they had not.
"There has been a lot of opportunity for people to have bought the pub ... they have had an opportunity; that's all I can say."
Angry and sad comments about the possible closure continue to be posted on Facebook.
"Clyde will lose its sense of community without the local watering hole for us menfolk to chew the fat," one said.
Another suggested starting another pub.
"Sounds like all of this anger could be directed to a community meeting.
"There's some serious money in Clyde, get some backers, get a building and a licence and open a pub."
There is speculation the new owners intend using the building for an Otago Central Rail Trail cycle business.
Kevin Gallagher, who has owned the hotel for the last three years, said yesterdayhe had sold it to Timeless Land Ltd and the settlement date is May 1.
Mr Gallagher said it was his understanding the new owners had "not finalised exactly" what they would do with the building.
The sole director and shareholder of Timeless Land is Philippa Catherine Thomson, who is also the sole director and shareholder of Cycle Surgery Rail Trail Ltd, which operates from Middlemarch.
Ms Thomson yesterday declined to confirm she was the new owner of the hotel.
The Cycle Surgery rail trail business in Middlemarch is advertised for sale on a business website, with an asking price of $1.3million.
The hotel, in the main street of Clyde, was built in 1904 and includes 10 guest rooms, a two-bedroom flat, a restaurant and a beer garden.
