CONCESSIONS AT AIRPORTS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29070, 5 December 1959, Page 12

CONCESSIONS AT AIRPORTS

Australia's Plans Liquor concessions at airporti will be worth £600,000 in Austnlia in a few years, according it the Australian Minister of CM Aviation (Senator S. D Pilt. ridge). Senator Paltridge was reply, ing to a question on what effect a liquor licence could have, tf granted to Christchurch airport Senator Paltridge said he had recently put a bill through the Australian Federal Parliament which allowed the sale of liquor at all the Commonwealth's aiS ports. “We are not intending to ru.< the concession into every airport, and the internationals will be serviced first,” he said. The bill had created a great deal of contention but event important airport except those in India provided the amenity to traveller! “In this case we are merely fot> lowing what has become an into national aviation custom,” he said. “Apart from the amenity aspect, it provides the aiam authority with revenue, and with heavy expenditure these days, 8 is natural that it should taw some “We anticipate within a fee years that liquor concessions w* contribute £600.000 annually iff way of revenue,” he said. Future provision of drinkinf facilities at airports would ta elude the establishment of each tail lounges—although then would be none for the bar-stattk ing type of business. The senna would be comparable with the best offered anywhere in tta world, he said. Other forms of concession! would be added, such as banka florist shops, beauty pariouA barber’s shops, pharmacies and the like, he said. “We will also have restaurants at the airports at which there will be dancing for those who want it,” he added. “Proud of Terminal” “Something the city can be very proud of” was how Senator Paltridge described Christchurch's new airport terminal building. Senator Paltridge is in Chrirtchurch during a quick visit w New Zealand. He flew from Australia in T.E.A.L/S airliner. He has had talks wit" the Minister of Civil Aviation <Mr Mathison), the PostmasterGeneral (Mr Moohan) and tta Minister of Marine (Mr Eox). He also spoke with the Prune Minister (Mr Nash) yesterday. The Summit road "defied to scription” Senator Paltridge said last evening after • specially-arranged scenic tour * Christchurch. “I have never seen anything comparable at all. he said. “There is no doubtNew Zealand is a great tourta attraction, a real highspotj don’t know what your Wj* figures are but I’d like to fin* out,” he said. Senator Paltridge and Paltridge wiU leave for AusW lia tomorrow.