Hotels in move against gangs

Press, 4 May 1981, Page 2

Hotels in move against gangs

PA Masterton The problem of gangs causing disturbances in bars has prompted delegates at the New Zealand Licensing Trust conference at Masterton to decide to seek an amendment to a clause within the Liquor Act, dealing with refusing some people admittance to bars. A remit presented by the Portage Licensing Trust, which covers the western suburbs of Auckland, called for the inclusion of the words, "groups of persons” to the clause which allows hotel managements the right to refuse admittance to anybody who looks likely to cause trouble.

The Portage Trust’s general manager, Mr Terry Cummins, said that only individuals could be ejected at present, but the trust wanted the right to be able to refuse entire gangs if necessary. He said that problems with gang violence within hotels were increasing, especially in the Auckland area, and it was time that both staff and property were protected by more positive laws.

Mr Cummins said that if the Minister of Justice (Mr McLay) accepted the amendment, he hoped it would not have to be enforced, but at least it would be there as a safeguard.

The conference re-elected the chairman of the Invercargill Licensing Trust, Mr O. Hendersen, as the national president, while Mr F. B. Knipe, deputy chairman of the Portage Trust, was elected the new vice-presi-dent.