In researching the former (and enormous) old island bar in the Taphouse in Sydney, I came across a video clip from the Australian film CADDIE which illustrates what a frenzy the 'Six O Clock' swill was!
During the First World War (1914–18), Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia introduced laws requiring pubs to close at 6 pm. While Australian men were away fighting it was seen as morally corrupt for those at home to spend their evenings in public houses. In addition, there were concerns that extended hotel opening hours kept men from their families and caused them to squander household money.
Instead of encouraging moderate drinking habits, the early closing time led to what became known as the ‘six o’clock swill’ in which men rushed to pubs after work and often drank too much, on empty stomachs and in a short period of time.
See the clip here.
thats a cool clip Steevo - is that that I have to look forward to working at the Local? Dez
ReplyDeleteMy grandad remembers the era well when he worked on ships around the coast of Australia... although he reckoned taxis would supply cartons and deliver you with them to private parties after hours.
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