A mislabelled sign in Trangie is causing a local drinking establishment a lot of strife. A sign outside the Imperial Hotel states the alcohol free-zone is over, having expired in November 2014.
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Pub patrons have used this as an excuse to drink alcohol out on the sidewalk.
Imperial Hotel publican 'Kooka', as he is known to all, said he wasn't sure who had to change the signs but he's having trouble convincing the locals not to drink there.
"The signs are out of date, we've told the police but they told us it's not their problem, it's a council issue," he said.
"Nearly every Thursday and Friday I've had to hunt them back inside."
The publican said he didn't even realise the signs were out of date until the Trangie Action Group pointed it out to him.
"They (the police) start chastising me, telling me to get security but I can't afford security in a town with six watering holes and only 900 people," he said.
Kooka raised the issue of the out-of-date signs at the Local Liquor Accord Meeting.
New Duty Officer Sergeant Robert Bevern told Kooka they're unable to issue fines if the signs state the alcohol-free period is expired.
"Police can issue fines if the signs are accurate, otherwise we have to issue warnings," he said.
Narromine Shire Mayor, Bill McAnally said changing the signs was high on council's list of priorities.
"It's about to be changed, we don't condone drinking in the streets,"
- Bill McAnally
"It's about to be changed, we don't condone drinking in the streets," he said.
Kooka said the situation has improved since the new smoking laws were introduced on July 6.
"The smoking rules have been helpful," he said.
"People have to smoke out the back, but as soon as it's wet everyone is out the front again."
