Licensing of cafes opposed

Press, 22 October 1980, Page 18

Licensing of cafes opposed

PA Hastings The introduction of cafe licences would be a social disaster, according to Mr Tom Quayle, general secretary of the New Zealand Temperance Alliance. ■ Mr Quayle said the Sale of Liquor Amendment Bill, ■ now before a Parlia--1 mentary select committee, had made provision for cafe licences without de-

fining a cafe, “It would appear to include tearooms, bistro bars, steak bars, restaurants, coffee shops and any other shops serving light refreshments,’’ said Mr Quayle.

“Hie bill does not provide that a meal be served to a customer before he can be served liquor or any form of alcohol. Light refreshments only need be served and this can mean virtually anything,” Mr Quayle said. “If Parliament approves this provision, I foresee the number of licensed liquor outlets increasing from about 3500 at present to something approaching 6000 -within two years.

“I- believe the provision of cafe licences <bn this scale will prove to be a social disaster in the area of New Zealand’s alcohol problem.” Itflr Quayle said that in a way the Temperance Alliance was opposing this clause in the same way as the Hotel Association, but “obviously for very different reasons.”

The alliance also opposes the replacing of the present ancillary licence with a club licence for sporting clubs and other associated bodies. Mr Quayle said that hours for serving liquor would be increased and some of the present restraints on the sale • of liquor by clubs would be relaxed. .