Golden Rule Hotel, Pirie Street, 1941

State Library Catalogue Reference: B 10568

Established as the British Hotel in 1846, this hotel ceased operations in 1908. The Government Motor Garage occupied some of this site from 1902 (initially starting as stables to hold the ministerial sulkies) while the Hotel on the corner was still operating. The garage took over the whole site some time after that and occupied the entire site up until 1967. The building remains.

This article from 1909 shows that some locals were still keen for the hotel to keep trading.

"CONCERNING AN: HOTEL
Six witnesses told the Adelaide Licensing Bench on Tuesday that the Golden Rule Hotel in Pirie street was not required for the accommodation of the public, seeing that there were four other licensed houses within about 200 yards. On the other hand, witnesses declared that the Golden Rule was wanted. Eventually the Bench gave its decision against the renewal of the licence. The Metropolitan Police Court was crowded, and although the atmosphere was thick it was frequently pierced by bright sallies between Bar and witnesses. 'What is the population around the hotel?' was a stock question put by Mr. W. F. Stock, on behalf of the applicant. 'Oh, not too bad,' was one reply and 'Pretty fair, thank you,' said another witness. 'It’s a pretty handy place, isn't it? asked the Crown, Solicitor of another and a witness rejoined, “Yes; it's right up against my back yard.' 'And it's pretty handy for a nip on Sunday, too, isn't it?' - No reply.
To another, Mr. Dashwood remarked; 'You seem to have a regard for this hotel. Do you revere it for its age?' Witness -“No; because they draw good beer there. That's why.' Mr. Dashwood —'Don't they draw the same beer at other places? What is the distinction?' Witness— 'In flavour, I suppose.'' Mr. Stock interjected, 'It’s a question of clean pipes very often.' One witness— the maker of a non-alcoholic beverage — thought the licence should be renewed because whenever he went around with a bill he got the money: Bigger 'pubs' than that didn't always do the same. - A milkman thought the hotel should remain, because it was the only place open when he was on his early rounds. Mr. Stock— 'Well, perhaps, we can get a licence if we changed the name to the 'Early Worm.' It's the early worm that catches the milkman.' Still another was congratulated on his keen taste in beer. If he liked the beer at a certain place— said he— he would continue to patronise it. It was just like a store. If a customer didn't like the goods or the person who sold them, he could go elsewhere. 'Couldn't you do with one or two less hotels around you?' queried the Crown Solicitor. 'No.' he was told, 'if there were a few more it would be better.' "
The Register, Wednesday 10 March 1909, p4

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