WASTAGE OF BEER

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24569, 18 May 1945, Page 4

WASTAGE OF BEER

RECORDING METHODS IN HOTELS COMMISSION HEARS, EVIDENCE (P.A.) AUCKLAND, May 17. Details of the use of “return of dregs” sheets at managed hotels owned by Messrs Hancock arid Company, Ltd., were given by Timothy Titus Cragg before the Royal Commission on Licensing this morning. The witness, who said he had been associated directly with the management of the liquor side of the business for 20 years, testified that a report had been demanded periodically from managed hotels giving an assurance that dregs were properly handled and dispensed with. The firm’s instructions in this matter were very definite. The witness said that since 1938 pads had been used for returns of dregs. It was the duty of all managers to ensure that the dregs were properly disposed of, and to verify the measurement of dregs at, the end of each day, record the amount on sheets, and sign them. Wastage was allowed to a manager on the respective bar sheets. To Mr H. F. O’Leary (counsel for the licensed trade), the witness said he visited each hotel four or five times monthly to see that the dregs were properly disposed of. The witness produced figures showing the wastage at four of the firm’s managed hotels for the last 12 months. The total gallonage of waste allowed for a year was 6511, the cost price being £1668 and the selling price £2604. The witness said he, had no reason to doubt the honesty and integrity of the barmen at the hotels mentioned, many of whom had been with the company for periods up to 31 years. The chairman (Mr Justice Smith): For what reason was the system of checking dregs instituted? Had there been complaints? The witness; Nothing had occurred at all. I am ouite clear on that point. In reply to a further question, the witness said a barman, to gain any advantage from dregs, would have to be in collusion with the rest of the barmen and the head barman.