PRICES OF DRINKS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1944, Page 6

PRICES OF DRINKS

INVERCARGILL RATES NO TIPPING AND NO CREDIT (Special) INVERCARGILL, this day. There will apparently be no such thing as "having one on the house" or chalking up debts on the slate in the bars of the Invercargill Licensing Trust. Notices are to be posted in the bars stating that no "shouting" will be permitted and no credit, will be given. It is understood that the no-shouting notices are not intended to apply to customers, but means that barmen will not be permitted to shout for customers. Anti-shouting was introduced as a war regulation during the last war, but it is understood that it has now been repealed. Another notice to be displayed in the bars prohibits tipping. Presumably this will include shouting for the barman, which, in any case, would seem to be prohibited under the anti-shouting regulation, as well as leaving a coin on the tray for the waiter. Hopes Disappointed The announcement of the prices the trust is going to charge for drinks has caused some disappointment among those who were hoping that one cf the "reforms" of the trust would be cheaper drinks. Apparently this hope was based on the assumption that profits are not the prime motive of the trust. It is to be noted, however, that the Invercargill Licensing Trust Act assumes that the trust will show a profit on its undertakings, for it provides that profits may be expended within the Sciithland district in such a manner as the trust thinks fit for the promotion, advancement or encouragement of education, science, literature, art, physical welfare and other cultural and recreational purposes. There are those who maintain that, once the trust has met all its obligations, including taxation —the trust is liable for income tax —there will be little left for profits. Of course, if this is a possibility, it is an argument against the trust selling at reduced prices, at least at the start. The trust has based its prices on those charged at hotel bars in Bluff and, with small variations, these are the prices that will be charged. It is generally agreed that a 12oz glass of draught beer for 7d is a generous measure, especially as these will be real long beers, and not the somewhat smaller glasses which pass for long beers in some hotel bars.. The price of 7d for a 12oz glass compares favourably with the price of 6d which the trust is going to charge for the soz and 7oz glass of draught beer. All spirits are to be lOd. Another important decision of the trust is that the same prices are to be charged in public and private bars and in lounges. The bars are fitted with the latest gas pressure system for beer supply. Four Licensed Premises To-morrow four licensed premises will be opened, including the Appleby, which was one of the hotels which was closed down 38 years ago. No doubt, a good many people will visit the Appleby to-morrow just for old times sake. The trust finally took possession of the Brown Owl restaurant last night, so there is not much time for alterations before its opening tomorrow as a licensed restaurant. However, not a great deal of alteration will be required, as it is intended to run it on much the same lines as in the past. It is stated that customers will be entitled to go to the Brown Owl, sit at a table and order drinks only, but this practice is likely to be discouraged, especially during regular meal hours. People who want drinks only will not have much further to walk to the bar at the corner of Kelvin and Esk Streets.