NT: Traditions at pub with no doors about to change

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-1999
NT: Traditions at pub with no doors about to change

A Northern Territory pub famous for never closing its doors is set to do just that in the
name of cutting down alcohol abuse among local aborigines.

A group of 16 local Aboriginal communities have bought the Timber Creek Wayside Inn for
$1.5 million and will introduce 12-hour trading times to cut drinking-related problems.

Association coordinator ROBERT KNIGHT says the pub has not closed in 10 years, not even
having doors to physically close, meaning they had to be made by local carpenters.

Mr KNIGHT says cutting back grog sales is the least stringent of the new rules, with
drinkers banned if they carry weapons, don't send children to school or refuse to pay bills.

The $1.5 million purchase also bought a stake in the town's two supermarkets, a caravan
park, a restaurant, a service station and motel units, providing Aboriginal job opportunities.

AAP cm/pjg/jn

KEYWORD: PUB (DARWIN)

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