the six o'clock swillAustralian, NZ informal, historical
The rush to consume alcohol in public bars before the statutory early closing time.
pubs were designed to serve drinks at a rapid rate during the six o'clock swill
Example sentencesExamples
Although he extended shopping hours, introduced compulsory seatbelt legislation, and ended the six o'clock swill, Bolte preferred economic to social reforms.
There will be a midnight swill to match the six o'clock swill of the fifties and sixties as people who prefer spirits order their drinks before the midnight restrictions begin.
The infamous Six O'Clock Swill died under a raucous cheer when pubs were allowed to stay open serving the amber liquid until 10pm.
Of course it's much easier to get a drink these days (no more six o'clock swill).
Australia's love for beer has sunk to the lowest level since the days of the post-war six o'clock swill.
The six o'clock swill didn't work the first time and I have a feeling the negative effects will only be compounded if it is reinstated at 3am.
The men leaving after the six o'clock swill headed home with a tree under one arm and a live bird under the other.
The reps congregated in the house bar which remained open after the Public Bar had to close at 6 p.m after "the six o'clock swill".
The six o'clock swill may be gone but our society is more male-oriented than ever - more competitive, more individualistic, more money-hungry.
With a weekly $1 schooner happy hour, the locals reinstitute the six o'clock swill with a manic energy which is entirely at contrast to the amount of debilitating drugs they've already smoked all day.