Rowdy Aussie pub for sale with major hangover awaiting new owners

A well-known rowdy Aussie pub has hit the market, and a nasty hangover awaits its potential new owner.

A chaotic pub known for its rowdy behaviour in a regional market town has gone up for sale, but any new owner will have to live by some very strict rules.

Months after its closure and subsequent sale listing, the Gladstone Hotel in Stockton, NSW, was ordered to improve its CCTV capacity, security and minimise neighbourhood disturbance.

The conditions placed on the hotel’s liquor license follows what can only be described as rowdy, often drunken, years of chaos.

Gladstone Hotel in Stockton is on the market but must comply with strict conditions for its liquor license.

The decision published on May 10 cited noise disturbance, intoxication, and anti-social behaviour as a catalyst for the new conditions.

The report referred to a total of 28 complaints, all of which were from one complainant while also mentioning four complaints from one resident, received by the City of Newcastle Council in relation to noise at the venue.

The venue argued its operations did not disturb the community and that the allegations made by the complainant are without evidence.

The hotel faced complaints about noise disturbance, intoxication, and anti-social behaviour, leading to the imposition of new conditions. Picture: NBN News

The hotel went as far as to argue the review application was “vexatious in nature”.

The venue also stated that it had made efforts to address the issues raised by the complainant, including reducing offerings, closing the beer garden, cancelling karaoke, reducing functions and events, and reducing trading hours.

The Gladstone Hotel has been closed since March and was listed for sale that month.

On May 10, the same day disturbance decision was published, the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade revealed the Gladstone’s former licensee, Tracey Keegan, was banned from holding a liquor licence for two years after a man was served more than 35 standard drinks.

Hotel’s liquor license has been transferred to a new licensee, but the bar remains closed.

The alleged drinking session took place on March 6, 2021 with the man allegedly consuming his first beer around 11am.

He was allegedly served 35 standard drinks – 22 schooners and a shot – over the next six hours to 5.30pm.

CCTV footage from that day allegedly shows the man in such an intoxicated state that he collapses at least four times.

A submission on Ms Keegan’s behalf vehemently refuted the allegations, arguing an lack of evidence and that investigators “have incorrectly assumed that 22 schooners of beer will result in intoxication”.

The pub’s former licensee was banned on May 10 for two years after a patron was served more than 35 standard drinks. Picture: NBN News

In a public statement from the New South Wales government, the state’s Liquor & Gaming regulatory operations executive director, Jane Lin, said the behaviour of the hotel had posed a risk of harm to patrons.

“It was caused by the licensee’s failure to ensure that the responsible service of alcohol was practised at the hotel and that appropriate practices, procedures, training and supervision were in place to prevent intoxication,” she said.

“Apart from breaking the law, the actions of hotel staff put the patron at risk of significant harm.

“As this case shows, venues that fail to abide by responsible service of alcohol requirements can expect to be caught and face significant consequences.”

The hotel’s liquor licence has since been transferred to a new licensee, although the bar has remained closed since.

Former neighbour Shelly Little detailed the neighbourhood disturbance allegedly emanating from the Gladstone. Picture: NBN News

Last week, a former neighbour spoke to NBN News of the alleged disturbances arising from the Gladstone, including an incident in 2020 at the hands of drunken patrons, which was dismissed by a local judge due to inconclusive evidence.

“I’ve seen violence heaps outside that pub – I’ve seen the whole pub erupt with the front windows being smashed in,” Shelly Little told the regional broadcaster.

“I’ve had to tell people to go away from my property weeing on (and) doing the other thing on my footpath.”

News.com.au can confirm any potential new licensees of the almost 90-year-old pub will be subject to any current or future conditions imposed on its previous management.

“The CCTV and plan of management conditions will remain on the liquor licence of the Gladstone Hotel in Stockton,” a spokesperson for Liquor & Gaming NSW confirmed.

“It is open for any incoming licensee to apply to the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to have them varied or removed under section 53(2) of the Liquor Act 2007.”

And it’s understood that would be no small task, with the application involving detailed preparation, notification, and consultation requirements, along with a thorough assessment by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Under the Act, the application would also be open to potential community objections.

Despite its quarrelsome past, the hotel is currently on the market billed as holding “a special place in the hearts of many locals for generations.”

“Without a doubt, this building exudes historical charm, boasting Art Deco and Romanesque architecture, well maintained ornamental brick detailing and arch windows, authentic doors, sash windows, ornate light fixtures and original timber flooring,” it’s glowing description reads.

“Sunlight gracefully filters through stained leadlight windows and chevron glass, accentuating the timeless features and meticulous attention to detail in the interior.”

No price is listed.