Church’s Views On Drinking Praised

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31111, 14 July 1966, Page 6

Church’s Views On Drinking Praised

The Presbyterian Church had put a breath of fresh air into the “archaic” drinking conditions that prevailed in New Zealand, said the secretary of the Canterbury Hotel Workers’ Union (Mr L. Short) yesterday.

The support for longer bar hours by the church’s committee on liquor problems and alcoholism received by the Presbytery, he said, was a great liberalisation. Today the Presbyterians, said Mr Short, were the only group who appeared to have considered the workers in the industry and their hours of work.

The union’s national policy was clearly opposed to a staggered hours system. But, on the other hand, the union was agreeable to an extended hours system with two straight shifts for the workers involved in the Industry. “We find that a considerable number of hotels are open on special permits from the Licensing Commission until 11.30 p.m.,” said Mr Short. “Many workers cannot afford a high-priced meal, so they are debarred from enjoying drinking in that type of hotel.

“Many more, who might go to hotels at night, have already had a meal at home before arriving, so naturally object to being forced to have another meal.

“Under the present 11.30 p.m. set-up the meal seems to be a problem. “If they can run bistro bars with light, cheap meals at lunchtime for the workers, why can't this type of meal be carried on in the evening hours Then wage earners might be able to afford a night out at the hotel.” The present arrangements of paying for eating a meal provides a legal entitlement to remain drinking on the premises till 11.30 p.m. Mr Short Mid that if legislation could define a mini-

mum standard meal at cheaper prices, then other hotels would bring their renovations and amenities up to standard and get the necessary permit to keep open till 11.30 p.m. This, said Mr Short, would then provide trading hours that would allow straight shifts to be worked by those workers employed in the industry and expected to give service to the public. “As far as our workers are concerned they are opposed to 10 p.m. closing with staggered hours,” said Mr Short. “They put forward a legitimate argument as to why should they be putting in staggered working hours to earn their livelihood to serve the majority of others who enjoy a straight eight-hour work and are out enjoying themselves in the evenings. “They would also like a few nights off to go out and enjoy themselves."