I feel like a Tooheys … or 22: Little John’s big night

An investigation has been held into a pub where a man drank 22 schooners of Tooheys New and a shot of spirits before collapsing multiple times and being carted out by mates.

Exclusive: An investigation has been held into a pub where a man drank 22 schooners of Tooheys New and a shot of spirits before collapsing multiple times and having to be carted out by mates.

The epic drinking session is alleged to have occurred on March 6 in 2021 at the now-closed Gladstone Hotel at Stockton.

The man — who goes by the nickname of “Little John” — is alleged to have consumed his first beer about 11am, before having the equivalent of 35 standard drinks over the course of the next six hours until about 5.30pm.

CCTV from the day is alleged to show the man so intoxicated that he collapses at least four times.

Shortly before 5pm, the vision is understood to show him stumbling and holding on to the bar before his friends rally around to move him outside.

Stockton’s Gladstone Hotel has been the subject of multiple complaints by local residents.

It is understood vision shows friends “carrying a limb each” as they transport their inebriated mate to a vehicle outside before driving him to a hospital.

While NSW independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) refused to comment on the investigation, its website declared a discipline matter involving the hotel had been “determined” on March 20.

Locals say an increase in beer garden seating has increased events and noise levels at the venue.

It is not clear why the hotel has closed.

“The NSW independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) has not ordered the closure of the Gladstone Hotel, Stockton,” an ILGA spokeswoman said.

Shortly after the incident, ILGA dealt with a separate noise complaint involving the hotel.

The December 2021 complaint lodged with ILGA included statements from neighbours who listed a raft of issues as the hotel, including “drunkenness, littering, fighting, property damage”, “threats and violence from patrons” and “patrons urinating on residents’ homes and cars”.

“The complainant submits additional seating in the beer garden has increased the frequency of live music, jam sessions, happy hours and functions,” it said.

ILGA dismissed the complaint, noting how the hotel had held its liquor licence “for approximately 66 years”.

“It is reasonable to expect some level of disturbance will be generated from the normal operation of the hotel,” its report said.

Last week the hotel was listed for sale, with an advertisement describing it as “the ultimate venue for social gatherings, events and live music”.

“Throughout the years, the Gladstone Hotel has served multiple purposes for the community, providing function space and hosting community events and public meetings for political and electoral events, often held from the balcony,” it said.

The advertisement said the hotel had a “full hotel ­liquor licence”.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]