Changes sought for theatre bars

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 9

Changes sought for theatre bars

A change in the liquor-licensing laws to allow patrons to both the Christchurch Town Hall auditorium and the James Hay Theatre to use the theatre’s bar was sought in submissions made on behalf of the Tow n Hall committee to the Royal Commission on liquor yesterday.

Under the present law, only theatre patrons may use the bar there. “The Town Hall considers it is not providing a service under the present licence,” said the manager (Mr B. P. Connell). The complex had been open for more than a year, attracting 500,000 patrons (not counting the Cascade restaurant), said Mr Connell, and experience had borne out the difficulties foreseen by the liquor-licensing commission and many auditorium • users had expressed disappointment on being turned away from the theatre bar. “The Town Hall manage- \ ment tries to avoid a clash: of interval timings to minimise disappointment, and the confusion that results.” PREMISES LICENCES The submissions sought amending legislation to permit a premises licence for complexes like the Town Hall, with separate licences available for the sale of liquor in the theatres, restaurants, and other facilities That may be provided. ' Mr Connell said the hours of opening (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) were inadequate. He

sought to have them extended to run from 7 p.m. to 11.30 p.m., or to close half an hour after the conclusion of the last performance, whichever was earlier. An invitation to the commission to visit the Town Hall tonight while Harry Secome was performing in the auditorium and “La Boheme” was being produced in the theatre was extended by the chairman of the City Council’s Town Hall Committee (Mr H. G. Hay).