A historic pub in the remote Australian outback, famously the last place British backpacker Peter Falconio was seen alive, has been stripped of its right to sell alcohol. The Northern Territory Liquor Commission suspended the licence of the Barrow Creek Hotel from 1 January 2026, leaving a 200km stretch of highway without a watering hole.
The 'Unorthodox' Pub and Its Long-Time Publican
The decision followed a hearing into ten separate complaints against the pub's 76-year-old licensee, Les Pilton, who has run the heritage-listed establishment for 37 years. The commission, chaired by Russell Goldflam, found Pilton was not a "fit and proper person" to hold the licence after upholding eight of the ten grounds against him.
Inspectors presented evidence of numerous breaches. These included serving Indigenous patrons through a hatchway while they stood outside, using income management cards intended to restrict alcohol purchases. The pub also failed to provide meals or drinking water, had female toilets with broken windows and faulty hand dryers, and lacked a functioning computer or reliable email communication.
A Character of the Old Outback Versus Modern Regulation
In his deliberations, Chair Goldflam acknowledged Pilton's unique position. With no formal community or utilities at Barrow Creek, Pilton is responsible for maintaining power, water, and sewage disposal himself. Goldflam noted that being an "authentic old-style Territory outback character who eschews bureaucracy" might not suit a city licensee, but questioned whether it disqualified him from running this specific remote inn.
The commission also heard that local drinkers supported Pilton's methods and that police reported little alcohol-related trouble, suggesting his approach moderated harmful use. However, this was outweighed by the litany of compliance failures.
Disturbingly, evidence included an unchallenged statement where Pilton was alleged to have said it was "not his fault the 'Abo's' take [liquor] outside." His defence for the hatchway was that it predated his tenure and was used because Aboriginal people allegedly preferred not to comply with dress codes or wear footwear indoors.
The Road to Reopening: A List of Demands
The licence suspension stands until Pilton can demonstrate a proper understanding of his responsibilities. The commission has set a strict list of requirements for reinstatement. He must expand the licensed area to include a properly fenced, shaded outdoor space, upgrade the toilets and kitchen, obtain a food service certificate, and hire a cook.
Critically for a man who avoids modern technology, he must also provide licensing authorities with a single email address, set it up on a functioning mobile and computer, and prove he can respond to emails within 48 hours.
When contacted, Pilton told Guardian Australia he was working to comply. "When that's all completed, I'll reopen," he said, before ending the call. For now, the Barrow Creek Hotel remains a pub with no beer, a lonesome reality on the long Stuart Highway.
