CHANGES had to be made to a new pub's drug policy before Middlesbrough Council would agree to let them open today as planned.
Bosses of Walkabout were required to give a more detailed stance against the use of controlled substances in the theme bar, in Corporation Road.
A spokesman from the council's licensing committee said there was nothing wrong with the policy bosses submitted on Monday but maintained it was necessary to ask for more detail.
"We do not anticipate any problems but asked them to reword certain aspects of their policy so we understand what their intentions are," he said.
The necessary amendments were made by managers and the venue is set to open for business today, creating 40 jobs for Teessiders.
Cleveland Police said they were satisfied with Walkabout's drug policy, but originally tried to block attempts to get a drinks licence because of the increase in town centre violence.
Head of operational support for Middlesbrough Police, Gary Gamesby, said: "Our concern is that our resources are being stretched to deal with more public disorder offences."
"We realise the drugs policy issue was merely administrative and do not have a problem with that."
Manager Steve Cooper said: "Regent Inns plc in general, and Walkabout in particular, has a responsible, long-standing and very firm anti-drugs policy which will be implemented in the new Middlesbrough venue."
Walkabout is effectively a new nightclub and revellers will be able to party from 11am until 2am on Mondays to Saturdays, and from noon until 12.30am on Sundays.
Boasting the largest video projector screen in Middlesbrough, at four metres wide, the venue is designed to give drinkers a feel for all things Australian.
Kangaroo steaks and crocodile fillets, seasoned with Aboriginal spices are served alongside Australian beers and wines.
Mr Cooper, from Sydney, Australia, said it was exciting for him to be opening a bar in the birthplace of Captain Cook, who discovered his homeland more than 200 years ago.
* London leisure company Regent Inns, which runs the theme pub chain, last month won an appeal to turn a mainstream cinema into an Australian-style pub.
Work on the £1.8m conversion of Robin's Cinema in Durham, will start in June.
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