Turnbull shares beer with SA punters

For a brief moment, the Royal Hotel in suburban Adelaide resembled something closer to a debate club as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's quasi-election campaign rolled into town.

In town for a week-long visit, Mr Turnbull dropped into the Royal for a pint of Coopers pale ale on Wednesday evening in support of local member Matt Williams, who faces an uphill battle to retain the traditionally Labor-leaning seat.

With the front bar almost full to capacity, the prime minister stepped onto a makeshift stage for what proved to be an unusually policy-driven question and answer session.

A question on government support from small business owner Sharon prompted a lengthy spiel on the instant asset write-off scheme which threatened to lose the crowd.

But Mr Turnbull soon found safer ground, joking that the election would definitely be held this year amid speculation voters could go to the polls as soon as July 2.

"When the election is held, there will be a very clear dividing line," he said.

"Our policies will all be directed towards encouraging investment, growth and entrepreneurship in business, especially small business.

"What are our opponents are doing is putting blocks in front of each of those."

After responding carefully to questions on school and hospital funding, Mr Turnbull wrapped up the session and was warmly applauded.

Then it was time for another staple of the election campaign: selfies with a throng of fans, including Adelaide United forward Bruce Djite.

Not everyone welcomed the intrusion.

"This is our bloody local," one punter grumbled after being told to keep it down during the Q&A session.

But like it or not, the campaign is well and truly on - even without an election date.