DRINKING IN BARS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24545, 19 April 1945, Page 4

DRINKING IN BARS

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMMISSION

VIEWS OF FEDERATION OF LABOUR

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 18. Suggestions by the New Zealand Federation of Labour for the improvement of the licensed liquor trade from the point of view ox the working man were conveyed to the Royal Commission on Licensing to-day by the secretary of the federation, Mr K. Baxter. The federation was concerned with the health and welfare of 200,000 workers, including unionists in the forces, he said. Its national executive had been asked by union*, 300 of which were affiliated with the federation, and by some of its constituent trades councils. to make submissions. Many workers had little opportunity for social intercourse among themselves during the week except between 5 p.m. and o p.m. to partake of beer. For that reason, and in the interests of improved health, conduct and welfare, recommendations were made which would act to the advantage of both drinkers and non-drinkers. The federation suggested: (1) the compulsory use of hot water for cleaning drinking utensils, bars and floors: (2) the sterilisation of glasses which, it was understood, was already practised in milk bars by, means of ultra violet light; (3) that for the future construction of hotels, regulations be introduced making provision for an Improvement in the natural lighting and ventilation in bafs. and lounges; (4) more rigid regulations in respect to lavatories, and provision for.cleanliness; <S) the use of standardised glasses and handles at standardised prices. Further recommendations were: (6) regulations for the installation In bars of tables and seating accommodation with the object of permitting the consumption of liquor under more con-, genial and relaxed conditions, and as an alternative to vertical drinking. That was a necessary reform which would make for a more social • atmosphere with more disciplined drinking. (7) The federation had been prompted from all quarters with suggestions for changes in hours. It was felt that two of the hours before 9 p.m. should be transferred to some portion of the evening, which would allow more leisured drinking. (8) The federation contended that the liquor industry could never be run efficiently and satisfactorily till under State ownership.

ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS

OVERSEAS GUESTS’ COMPLAINTS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 18. Evidence was given to Jhe Royal Commission on Licensing to-day by Mr J. W. Collins, formerly New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Canada. When the witness began quoting the Canadian Year Book, the chairman, Mr Jus. tice Smith, said an exhaustive review of the Canadian licensing legislation was being prepared lor the commission by Canada’s Attorney-Oeneral. . , The witness said, that in his official capacity he had. received the following complaints about New Zealand hotels in pre-war years:—(l) uncomfortable beds; (2) restricted meal hours, especially the early dinner hour; (3) lack of good coffee and ice water, (4) the non-serving of seasonal fresh fruit at meals, and tho scarcity of citrus fruits; (5) the. absence of central heating; (6) the general use of roller towels by all guests (small individual cotton or paper towels were universally used and provided abroad); (7X the absence of window and door screens to keep out flies and mosquitoes. The witness said travellers had, reported that proprietors in New Zealand ran hotels to suit the bar, and did not study the comfort and convenience of guests. He also said the practice of early morning tea at seven, and the clatter of cups and saucers >at that early hour was regarded as barbaric. The fact that no food was served in hotels after 7.80 p.m. also came as a great shock. A point also made was that meals not taken were charged for. He said it was a sore point that so few New Zealand hotel* had adopted the universal European' plan of booking rooms only, and charging for meals actually eaten.