Arabic version: إغلاق فندق بينك بانثر بعد مداهمة للشرطة

According to ABC News, Laura Ragless has closed the Larrimah Pink Panther Hotel and Stuarts Well Roadhouse after Northern Territory Police searched the roadhouse and an adjoining property following allegations of liquor licence breaches.

Police said the search, conducted on Wednesday after a tip-off, allegedly uncovered an unsecured firearm and ammunition, 214 packs of illegal cigarettes, six unlawfully imported OC spray canisters and $3,800 in cash. The investigation followed a visit by members of the Outlaws bikie gang to the roadhouse south of Alice Springs.

A 59-year-old man was charged with unlawfully possessing a Schedule 8 drug, while a 33-year-old man was charged with breaching firearms licence conditions. A 71-year-old man was charged with manufacturing, selling or purchasing a prohibited weapon. All three are due in Alice Springs Local Court in January, and alleged liquor licence breaches have been referred to Licensing NT.

Ragless said on social media that both businesses were “officially closed”, describing the action as government “harassment”. She denied wrongdoing, called the charges “trumped up” and said the tobacco products were personal cigarettes not sold at or around the roadhouse. Under NT law, licensees and staff must direct outlaw motorcycle gang members to leave if they refuse to remove club-identifying clothing or items.

Separately, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said animal welfare officers inspected the Larrimah Hotel on Thursday after receiving reports regarding animals. The department said no animal welfare concerns were identified under the Animal Protection Act 2018. Locals confirmed the Pink Panther pub was closed on Saturday morning, though its Facebook page later resumed advertising a black Angus steak night special.