Ambassadors Hotel on King William Street at centre of dispute between landlords Polites Group and liquidators

THE company operating one of Adelaide’s oldest pubs has collapsed, triggering a dispute between the landlord and liquidators over who owns the business’s assets.

The Ambassadors Hotel on King William Street. Picture: Michael Owen-Brown

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THE company operating one of Adelaide’s oldest pubs has collapsed, triggering a dispute between the landlord and liquidators over who owns the business’s assets.

Liquidator Richard Auricht said landlord the Polites Group has filed a Supreme Court injunction to prevent him seizing the assets of the heritage-listed Ambassadors Hotel on King William Street.

The move came after the court ordered the winding up of venue operator Ambassador KW Pty Ltd last month over a debt owed to gaming company Ainsworth Game Technology Pty Ltd.

The hotel remains open to the public.

The Ambassadors Hotel front bar.

The Ambassadors Hotel entrance foyer.

Mr Auricht, of Richard Auricht Accounts, said businessman George Polites was running the 178-year-old venue.

“There’s a dispute as to who owns the assets in there ... he is saying he does,” he said.

“That’s not yet been resolved (and is) subject to a Supreme Court proceeding.”

He said Mr Polites had permission from the Liquor and Gaming Commissioner to continue operating the pub for another month and will have to reapply for any licence extensions.

But Mr Auricht said that he retained control of the gaming licences.

The Advertiser has sought comment from the Polites Group.

Tough trading have put several iconic Adelaide hotels under pressure in recent years, most notably PJ Obrien’s on East Terrace.

The famous Irish pub closed its doors in August, with management saying the proliferation of smaller bars had dealt a blow to attendance.

In recent years the Whitmore Hotel, the Brunswick, the Stag, the Colonel Light, the Dog and Duck, the Duke of York and the Crown and Sceptre, among others, have all seen doors shut as owners walk away.