The Barrow Creek Hotel, a remote pub in Central Australia known for its connection to the Peter Falconio murder case, has had its liquor licence suspended. The Northern Territory Liquor Commission found the venue in breach of licensing laws, including supplying alcohol outside the licensed area and failing to provide meals, water, and fuel.
The pub, located 280 kilometres north of Alice Springs, was the last place British backpacker Peter Falconio was seen alive in 2001 before his murder. Owner Les Pilton, who has run the establishment since 1988, faced 10 complaints, with eight upheld by the commission.
Commission chairperson Russell Goldflam noted that Pilton had a long-standing arrangement allowing regular customers to pre-pay for beer using government-issued SmartCards, which are meant to restrict welfare spending on alcohol. The commission described this as an attempt to moderate harmful drinking but also highlighted failures in maintaining facilities and providing essential services.
The hotel must now upgrade toilets, install a kitchen, hire a cook, and submit monthly reports to the regulator before its licence can be reinstated. The suspension has been in effect since January 1, following a December decision.
