Writer observed dodgy place in Austrian capital should be avoided (6)

I believe the answer is:

pencil

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'writer' is the definition.
(something which writes)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for pencil that I've seen before include "Graphite stick" , "Writing tool" , "Graphite writer" , "Wooden writer" , "Writing instrument" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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