WET CANTEENS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 118, 15 November 1939, Page 10

WET CANTEENS

MILITARY CAMPS

DECISION REACHED

OPENING SOON

«■ ALL FACTORS CONSIDERED

.: The Government has decided to establish wet canteens in military camps, following a thorough and prolonged examination of all the various representations that have been made to it and of all the factors irivolved.

In making this announcement today the Minister >of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) said that there had been discussions with officers of the Forces, social workers, returned soldiers, and various representative men and women. Examination had been made also of the practice in other countries and on the evidence it appeared that the provision of a wet canteen, administered' under strict rules of discipline, with sales confined to the lighter ales, and no spirituous liquors, would, having regard to all the circumstances, be in the best interests of the soldiers.

"It is not proposed, however, to confine the service of wet canteens to the supply of ale," Mr. Jones added. "Provision will be made for the establishment of milk bars and cafeteria services, and nothing will be/done to encourage the consumption of ale in preference to milk shakes, soft drinks, tea and coffee. "The net profits of the canteen will be used for the benefits of the soldiers."

It is expected that a wet canteen will be opened at Trentham Camp tomorrow. Arrangements are'being made to open, similar canteens in other camps as soon as possible.