Wholesalers’ attack on ancillary-licence laws

Press, 27 September 1978, Page 28

Wholesalers’ attack on ancillary-licence laws

PA Nelson. The present untidy situation regarding ancillary licences would have adverse repercussions if allowed to continue, said the president of the Wholesale Wine and Spirits Merchants’ Federation (Mr N. J. Mackenzie) in Nelson. Speaking at the opening of the federation’s annual conference he said: “A year ago we all realised they (the ancillary licences) would present many’ complex issues, both socially and through the effects they would have on other sections of the trade. “All of us, including the New Zealand Licensing Trusts Association and the Hotel Association of New Zealand, have endeavoured to arrive at an orderly trading situation. “Probably the advice given by the Prime Minister in this city earlier this year when he cautioned sports clubs to ‘make haste slowly’ was most appropriate, but I pose this question: Where do we go from here? “The present untidy situation cannot be allowed to continue without adverse repercussions to

both sports clubs and the viability of some sections of the industry,” said Mr Mackenzie. “We are always willing to assist in reaching a mutually acceptable solution.” The recent suggestion by the Minister of Justice (Mr Thomson) that the triennial liquor poll be ibolished would receive he federation’s full support, he said. Another area of concern to the federation was the legislation that permits suburban trusts to operate bottle shops. Three Wellington suburban trusts had come forward with proposals for 11 bottle shops, of which

five were already doing substantial business.

“In our view, the legislation does not go far enough. The establishment of a bottle shop is tantamount to authorising another wholesale licence without imposing the restrictions of that licence.

“We would urge that consideration be given to placing bottle shops on the same level as wholesale licences by imposing a restriction that they sell or deliver liquor in quantities of not less than eight litres. “This should also apply to the sale of bulk beer. This restriction would restore fair competition.’’