NT Liquor Commission rejects plans for new whiskey bar

THE fate of an exciting new whiskey bar planned for Darwin’s CBD has been decided by the NT Liquor Commission

The owner of a new Austin Lane whiskey bar, Alex Deutrom is frustrated that his liquor licence application has been knocked back by the NT Liquor Commission. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

PLANS for an exciting new whiskey bar to open in Darwin’s CBD have been knocked back by the NT Liquor Commission.

Business owner Alex Deutrom, 25, said he was left devastated when his liquor licence was rejected last week after dedicating the past 18 months working to establish an intimate, hole-in-the-wall whiskey and jazz bar called Uncle Tony’s on Austin Lane.

THE full reason why the whiskey bar was knocked back

He submitted the application in February and the NT Liquor Commission rejected it on July 17 over concerns with locations of the toilets and the financial viability of the business.

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“The decision was very frustrating to read as I felt a lot of the information in my application, as well as what I said at the hearing, has been misinterpreted and has not been properly considered,” Mr Deutrom said.

“It seems evident that the Commission doesn’t understand the appeal of a small whiskey bar hidden down a gentrifying, graffiti-covered laneway.

“Similar models in Melbourne and other cities prove very popular and successful.”

Mr Deutrom said Uncle Tony’s would have been a great addition to help breath some much-needed life back into the struggling CBD.

But he plans on continuing to pursue the venture in one form or another

“The decision is with my solicitors to determine whether or not we will appeal,” he said.

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“Darwin is crying out for a small bar scene and I think the reason we don’t really have one is because those handing out liquor licenses seem to think large, soulless pubs are a better option.

“Uncle Tony’s operated the bar during a Laneway Series event earlier in the year. It was very successful and the feedback was amazing — people were really excited.”