By Andrew Starke
A small bar in Sydney has had its name rejected by the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority (CLGCA) as ‘inappropriate’.
The regulator decided that the name Swillhouse suggested excessive and irresponsible drinking, the first such refusal since the body replaced the old liquor board and licensing court system a year ago.
One of the bar’s backers, Jason Scott, told The Sun-Herald he wanted a name that would evoke Darlinghurst’s past.
“We want it to feel like you would have walked off the street through unmarked doors and discovered a bar that could have existed back in the days when the six o’clock swill forced everyone to drink in these sly grog havens, but with modern attention to food and drink standards,” he said.
In his defence, Scott cited other unusual food and beverage outlet names such as the Opium Den in Potts Point, Mad Cow at Ivy and a pub restaurant chain in Newcastle called Swill ‘n’ Grill.
City of Sydney councillor Shayne Mallard said small bars were quirky by nature and their names should be allowed to reflect their character.
Swillhouse, which has been renamed Shady Pines Saloon, is still waiting to hear whether its new application will be accepted.