In 1887 there were no less than 22 hotels in Darlinghurst. Over the next century and a half, the character, culture and clientele of Darlinghurst pubs evolved. This story explores the impact on Darlinghurst of two episodes of liquor licensing restrictions in NSW: six o’clock closing and the Sydney lockout laws. 

Image: Royal Sovereign Hotel, corner Darlinghurst Rd and Liverpool St, 1921 (City of Sydney Archives) 

Credits 

This audio story is a production of the Australian Centre for Public History in partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation. 

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Producer: Catherine Freyne 

Sound engineer: Judy Rapley 

Music:  

• Blue Dot Sessions  
• When Paris is Singing by Dazie Mae licensed under CC by NC-SA 3.0 US 

Archival: ABC Content Sales 

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Featuring: 

• Paul Solomon, publican’s son and grandson 
• Max Burns-McRuvie, owner of Journeywalks 
• Tyson Koh, founder of Keep Sydney Open