MEASURING THE “NIP”

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1921, Page 10

MEASURING THE “NIP”

OXE OUNCE FOR NINEPENCE. The system of retailing spirits by the measured nip and the raising of the minimum charge for beer to 6d a glass has been adopted by the Canterbury Licensed Victuallers’ Association. This arrangement to meet the proposed increases in Customs duties came into operation on Monday. The adoption of the measure system for spirits is a new departure for New Zealand. In other centres where the position created by duties has been dealt with by the trade the price of the glass has been increased to Is. The measure system is in force, however, both in Australia and England. The quantity to be dispensed will be loz. The increase in the duty on a bottle of whisky represents 2/6, but the trade is passing on 2s only. The net cost will therefore be 14s. The increase in schnapps and brandy is 2s per bottle, but several ‘brands of gin are not affected, as the indent cost has lessened. There have been increases in various acids used in cordials, but hotelkeepers ‘will not charge extra where lemonade or soda is used, but a drink of spirits containing other cordials, such as peppermint. limejuice, or dry ginger ale, will cost Is. Medium or small glasses of beer will cost 6d, and pints Bd. These represent advances of 2d a glass. Hotelkeepers are being charged Is a dozen extra for bottled beer, but will not increase the price of bottled beer.