New-pub pledge for Anzac event

The Due South Tavern is on track to be open and in operation in time for Albany's Anzac cent- enary commemorations, according to general manager Steve Denton.

The waterfront tavern, which began construction earlier this year, is owned by local businessman Paul Lionetti and is under construction by local builder Real Force.

In May, Tourism WA estimated as many as 70,000 Perth residents could travel to Albany as part of the city's Anzac centenary commemorations and Mr Denton said it was his aim to accommo- date visitors as well as the city's locals.

"We just have to make sure we are ready to go when we are ready to go," he said.

"Obviously Albany is going to have a big influx of people in late October and we want to be ready to accommodate them.

"Especially for that Anzac weekend, we need to be ready."

A 6m bar has just been installed, as has the restaurant's cool rooms, while the kitchen will be installed in coming weeks.

Mr Denton said Real Force was happy with the tavern's progress.

"We are definitely on schedule," he said.

"We just need to be here every day making sure the boys are ticking along.

"The furniture, the kitchen is all locked in and on the way."

In May, the _Albany Advertiser _ reported that petitions with an estimated 1000 signatures were circulating throughout Albany in support of the Due South Tavern's liquor licence.

Mr Denton said the application for the liquor licence had been lodged and he was confident it would be approved.