King O’Malleys Irish Pub was named after a colourful politician and former insurance salesman with a fascinating – and somewhat infamous – legacy. The irony? This same man was a key advocate for an alcohol ban across Canberra. We like to think he would have seen the funny side.
A bearded fellow
Said to be mischievous and never far from controversy, King O’Malley was a flamboyant politician who played a vital role in the formation of the Australian Capital Territory. He was the one who signed off on Walter Burley Griffin as the winner of Canberra’s planning and design competition.
As Minister for Home Affairs, O’Malley was involved in many aspects of Canberra’s early development. One of his more radical – and unpopular – decisions was to push for prohibition in the territory. The ban lasted 17 years, from late 1910 to 1928, forcing locals to cross the border to Queanbeyan for a drink.
Thankfully, we’re no longer a dry state!
His story adorns our walls
Want to read more tall tales and rumours about our namesake? Check out our tribute to King O’Malley’s vibrant personality and life all over our walls, where the legend lives on.
