[UPDATE] Imperial Hotel To Remain Closed; Future Undecided

Sydney's Imperial Hotel has been forced to close its doors for a second time in five weeks following drunk and disorderly incidents taking place over the weekend. 

According to Fairfax, patrons were found to be licking alcohol from the floor, openly consuming illicit drugs and exceedingly intoxicated in the Erskineville venue.

NSW deputy premier and police minister Troy Grant released a statement slamming the venue, citing incidents that included inspectors witnessing a Responsible Service Of Alcohol marshal simply watching and laughing at a patron who licked a spilt drink from the floor, as well as another male patron seen taking a small spoon from his necklace, dip it in white powder and hold it to a woman's face to snort before she gave him money. 

Under cover inspectors were also approached by patrons and were asked where they could purchase drugs from. 

According to the statement a number of patrons were also seen falling asleep on chairs, slumping on walls and were struggling to stand without help. 

The Imperial was given a 72-hour closure order by the Independent Liquor and Gambling Authority on Friday night and will be allowed to re-open tonight from 7pm. 

Last month the venue was given the same ban, following revelations that the bar staff were found to be consuming illicit drugs while on shift. 

Just last week, the hotel new owner's announced that The Spice Cellar will cease operating after four years, in which they blamed Sydney's controversial lock out laws.

UPDATE: 

The Imperial Hotel is at serious risk of having its doors closed for good as it was announced today that the venue will remain shut while negotiations commence between management and officials. 

As Fairfax reports, hotel owner Shadd Danesi is fighting to keep the venue open as he negotiates the future of the popular pub with the Office Of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and NSW Police.

While the hotel was originally given a 72-hour ban and due to re-open tonight, it will now remain closed until a decision has been reached. 

Danesi said he was unsure of how long the venue will remain closed: "It might be closed for a period of time. I have to have some discussions with the authorities in that regard."

"I would never tolerate the supply or sale of drugs in any venue which I operated," he said.

"I can understand the authorities are extremely concerned, as I am. We are both on the same page."