Bars At Airports To Be Permitted

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32303, 22 May 1970, Page 24

Bars At Airports To Be Permitted

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 21. Bars as well as licensed restaurants will soon be possible at airports as a result of a bill introduced in Parliament today.

The Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill, introduced by the Minister of Justice (Mt Riddiford), provides for the granting of licences at suitable airports for the sale of liquor for consumption on the licensed premises.

An applicant for a licence must first obtain the approval of the Minister of Transport and of the airport authority. The granting, renewal and transfer of licences will be in the hands of the Licensing Control Commission.

The measure was expected, after an Auckland regional Authority Bill containing provision for such facilities at Mangere Airport was introduced in Parliament late last year. The section containing provision for licensed premises

at the airport was deleted from the bill before it was passed, and the Minister of Transport (Mr Gordon) later told the House that it was planned to deal with the subject of liquor facilities at airports under a separate bill in 1970.

The bill before the House provides for the sale and consumption of liquor at an airport on any day except Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day once a licence is granted. The standard hours are between 11 a.m. and half an hour after the arrival or departure of the last scheduled flight of the day, but not later than midnight. HOURS OF SALE

But the hours of sale may be varied by the commission. It may fix earlier or later opening or closing hours, or authorise the licensee to close for any period during the day. An application for a variation must have the approval of the airport authority, and will be subject to a public hearing. The commission may also specify that part of the licensed premises be partitioned off, so that it may be used for the accommodation of persons using the airport outside hours of service. Mr Riddiford said patronage at an airport bar could not be confined to passengers or passengers and friends But the primary purpose of the facilities would be for passengers. Persons under the age of 20 would not be permitted to buy or consume liquor on the premises, but children . and those under 20 would be allowed on the premises, as was the case with theatres holding liquor licences. Licences may be granted in trust or no-licence districts. Circumstances to be taken

into account by the commission in determining whether to grant a licence include the nature and frequency of passenger services; the interests of air travellers; the suitability of the premises, facilities and services; and the experience and character of the applicant FEE PAYABLE

An airport licence is similar in a number of ways to a tavern-keeper’s licence. It is subject to cancellation or suspension in the same way and on the same grounds, and the holder will pay the same fee —3 per cent of the gross amount of purchases of liquor —which will go into the licensing fund. An applicant or licensee has the right of appeal to the Supreme Court against commission decisions.

The usual 15 minutes’ grace for consumption of liquor bought before closing time will be allowed, and it will be an offence to be found on the premises after hours. The bill was given a first reading, a second pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. Commenting on the bill when it was introduced, Dr A. M. Finlay (Lab., Henderson) asked whether the hours were flexible enough.

“I am thinking particularly of the stranded passenger. That is the time he invariably needs the solace of spiritual comfort a licensed restaurant can supply,” Dr Finlay said.