Part of an archive of forensic photography created by the NSW Police between 1912 and 1964. With the introduction of 6pm closing the phenomenon known as the ‘six o’clock swill’ emerged. Approximately 90 per cent of beer was consumed between 5pm and 6pm in the frenzy of drinking that occurred before the pub closed. Pubs were inundated with a rush of workers between the hours of 5pm and 6pm and people’s desire to maintain a prime position at the bar led to stories of people urinating at the bar. Often people purchased multiple drinks for themselves at one time to save having to fight the crush and reach the bar. These photos, taken on 2 August 1952, show the men queuing to take a leak in rear yard toilet of a lane at the back of the Auburn Hotel in Queens Street, Auburn NSW.

– Source: Justice & Police Museum

Categories: NSW hotels