Violence in hotels

Press, 5 July 1978, Page 2

Violence in hotels

Mr Muldoon went on to say that violence in hotels and taverns may have increased with the growth of chartered clubs. He said it had been argued that hotels and taverns were being left with “the riff-raff.” “There is a view advanced by some in the trade, that the growth of chartered clubs has resulted in hotels and taverns losing the betterbehaved customer to clubs,” said Mr Muldoon. “The loss of these customers, it is said, in turn leads to a lowering of standards and outbreaks of violence, which in turn encourages more responsible people to join clubs. “In short, some argue that hotels and taverns are being left with the riff-raff. This ingenious argument has been advanced as one of the reasons for an increase in violence in hotels and taverns. By the same token, however, the growing trend towards the purchase of liquor for home consumption can also be said to have contributed in part to this problem.

“While it would be illogical to attribute the blame for violence on licensed premises to the mere existence of chartered clubs, it would be wise to bear in mind the effect that chartered and sports clubs could have on the ability of more traditional liquor outlets to control their customers.

"Obviously the causes of violence on licensed premises are complex. If it were a simple matter, the problems would have been solved long ago. The growth of chartered clubs may be a factor in this complex problem.” Mr Muldoon also said that in one part of the country, chartered clubs were competing publicly with hotels and taverns for patronage. “I believe such activities will lay you open to valid criticism from the trade and could endanger the privileges of clubs.” he said. “Hoteliers and tavern keepers understandably become concerned if they think a club is conducting its affairs in such a way as to be more

akin to a tavern than a properly conducted club.” Mr Muldoon ended his address with a comment on the Human Rights Commission Act and commended delegates to the thought that chartered clubs did have a responsibility to society by ensuring adequate female membership. He said membership of clubs had been excluded from the Act because it was felt undesirable to impose blanket rules across the traditional and accepted practice of single-sex clubs.

He said some clubs were now admitting women to membership, which trend the Licensing Control Commission encouraged. He believed this approach was preferable to legislative interference.

“The magnificent Woolston Working Men’s Club, with its 7000 members, of whom 2500 are women, is an outstanding example of ensuring this adequate representation of women members,” said Mr Muldoon.