TICKET TO BREW

Amid emerging experts in everything from tastebuds to taxis, international judge, celebrated brewer, lecturer, author and beer boffin Neal Cameron ponders the perils of enthusiasm versus expertise.   So you go to a restaurant, and whilst perusing the menu you

IRIS BUYS ‘PROJECT’ PARRAMATTA HOTEL FOR $38m

Iris Group has kicked off 2016, purchasing a Parramatta hotel “as a development” for $38 million. Located a stone’s throw from Rosehill Racecourse, the Mercure Parramatta boasts 165 rooms atop a bar, recreation and function spaces. The Australian implied Iris

COWARDS CONTINUE TO KING-HIT IN PUBS

The gutless so-called ‘coward’s punch’ continues to be the weapon of choice for too many drunken men, as Australian pubs continue to bear the brunt of the ugliness. This week has seen news on two more testosterone-charged assaults involving cowards

PRESS SHOWS VIOLENCE NOT AN AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM

Disturbingly violent incidents continue unabated in the British Isles, offering perspective on the frequency and severity of Australia’s eulogised “epidemic” of violence. UK media issues almost daily reports of alcohol-fuelled violence at licensed premises between highly intoxicated people. The majority

INDUSTRY ATTACKS ANOTHER FARE LIQUOR FAUX PAS

FARE has released another campaign targeting suppliers of liquor, claiming they “exploit” and are “dependent” on problem drinkers. The Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education just released its “Risky Business” initiative. It bases its accusations on a 2014 article in

AUSSIE-MADE IS A DRAWCARD FOR PATRONS: RESEARCH

New research from Roy Morgan cites increasing consumer preference for Australian-made products, and suggests providers would be wise to incorporate this into their message. The questions of ‘where did it originate’ and ‘who owns the business’ are more relevant than

PUBS BEGIN PRECINCT-WIDE BAN ON VIOLENT PATRONS

The Maryborough Liquor Accord has hit out at violence in venues, threatening six-month precinct-wide bans for all involved. A new hours north of Brisbane, Maryborough boasts 14 pubs and the annual ‘World’s Greatest Pub Crawl’ event. [caption id="attachment_4852" align="alignright" width="382"]

FOOD TRUMPS POKIES IN THE OLD BUSH

Great pub grub is taking hold in the regions, with the Old Bush Inn ditching its pokies to make room for more hungry patrons. Taking over the iconic pub – South Australia’s second-oldest – in late 2014, Gavin Collings and

TAMWORTH PUBS ROCKED BY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

[caption id="attachment_4839" align="alignright" width="248"] Mick Lindsay at The Pub[/caption] Australia’s biggest music festival has begun for 2016, with Tamworth pubs reaping the rewards of hordes of live music fans flooding the town. The 44th annual Tamworth Country Music Festival kicked