Sydney's Imperial Hotel forced to close

Sydney's Imperial Hotel has been forced to close for 72 hours due to concerns about drug activity.

Sydney's iconic Imperial Hotel has been forced to close its doors for 72 hours at the weekend because of concerns about drug activity.

The Erskineville pub made famous in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be closed from 7pm on Friday to 7pm on Monday, June 22.

It comes after investigations by NSW Police and the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing (OLGR), who raised serious concerns about drug activity and the risk to public health and safety.

Bar staff and patrons were openly consuming drugs at the venue, OLGR director of compliance and enforcement Anthony Keon said.

"(And) there have been repeated drug and intoxication issues," he said in a statement, adding, it "is completely unacceptable and shows that the venue has been operating with a complete disregard for its obligations and responsibilities".

The application for the three day closure was approved by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority on Friday night.

Source:  The West Australian - 20th June 2015