Cryptic crossword clue
Unlicensed bar, getting tip to stop the drink, suddenly emptied 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SPEAKEASY

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Unlicensed bar" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case unlicensed bar = speakeasy.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SPEAKEASY mean?

SPEAKEASY noun
  1. An illegal saloon or tavern, especially one operated during the American Prohibition period in the 1920s.

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