Thirsty customers travel 110km for beer
From: AFP | June 02, 2010 7:23PM
AN Australian pub has been drunk almost dry by thirsty customers travelling 110km for a beer from one of the country's hottest towns after their local closed.
Brett Powter, who manages the Conglomerate Hotel in the Western Australian town of Nullagine, said his establishment was down to its last drinks since the closure of the pub in Marble Bar, 110km away.
"We've got no rum left, we've got no bourbon," Mr Powter said.
"I think we've got 10 cartons (of beer) to last today. Some days we go through 25."
Mr Powter said business had been booming in Nullagine, a town of about 100 people, since the 117-year-old Ironclad Hotel in Marble Bar closed last month.
Forced to sweat through some of the country's hottest conditions without a cooling ale, residents have driven to Nullagine - its nearest neighbour - to slake their thirst, he said.
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Allen Cooper, chief executive of the East Pilbara Shire, said moves were already afoot to reopen the Ironclad Hotel.
Mr Cooper said the gold rush town of Marble Bar was something of a tourist draw, and most people who visit "want to go there and have a beer."
Marble Bar holds the record for enduring Australia's longest stint above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38C) at 160 days - a record set in the 1920s, Mr Cooper said.
Mr Powter said they were expecting a delivery in Nullagine this week.
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