British expat blasts 'off-putting' Australian pub rule: 'I'm done'

After being kicked out of a pub, a British man has declared he's officially "done with pubs" in one major Aussie city, claiming drinking rules there are "too strict" and bouncers relish the opportunity to exert their authoritative power.

Richard Turton had drunk "some pints" and a shot near Sydney Harbour when he noticed the barman who served him speaking to doormen. He was quickly approached by two doormen as he tried to buy another drink and was instructed to leave the premises.

"The first feeling was complete surprise. It was the last thing I expected as me and my fiancée were out with another couple, all in our 30s, and we're not exactly a rowdy bunch," Turton told Yahoo News. "I didn't really know what we did wrong and the staff who do security at the pub couldn't tell us either."

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After pushing for an explanation, the Brit was told his eyes were "red" and "glassy", he had been slurring his words and was showing signs of intoxication. He was ordered to simply leave.

"I knew full well our fate was sealed and we would be evicted," he said, expressing his frustration his night was caught short at 9.30 pm.

Aussie pub scene 'opposite end of spectrum' to UK, Brit said

Turton last lived in the UK two years ago and said he can't remember entering a pub for a "casual drink with my fiancée" and wondering if "we would be accepted". He claimed it's not the first time pub workers in Sydney have kicked someone out when it wasn't warranted.

"I have witnessed this before, and even our friend who was sober as he was the designated driver has been refused entry to another pub in Sydney on a separate occasion. It really does spoil the atmosphere," he said.

In Australia, to sell, serve or supply alcohol, workers must undergo a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) course and comply with rules that promote and support safe and responsible alcohol service.

Liquor & Gaming guidelines in New South Wales state that "If there are reasonable grounds for you to form a belief that someone is intoxicated as a result of alcohol consumption, you must refuse service to that person" and under the law, the person must be asked to leave the premises.

But Turton believes pubs in Sydney especially need to be more relaxed in order to promote better nightlife in the city.

"Compared to the UK I feel like pubs are on opposite ends of the spectrum," he said. "I understand security is needed and Sydney may have had problems with drunk behaviour before, but the approach is really off-putting.

"We just want an easy drink and some conversation without potentially being thrown out," he said.

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