INVITING constables into his bar for a New Year’s Eve celebratory drink backfired on Sydney publican, Joe Burtimote in 1930. The four constables were only too happy to join the publican of the Imperial Hotel at Erskineville for an ‘after hours’ tipple on December 31 1929. However, the constables’ boss, who happened to be passing the pub, noticed the lights burning, and made a surprise inspection. The three constables were whacked with a nominal penalty of 10 shillings each for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours, while publican Joe was given a £1 fine, plus court costs. Read the story of Joe Burtimore and his inner-Sydney pubs at The Time Gents website: (via Constables nabbed for New Year's Eve drinks at Erskineville's Imperial Hotel)