Fitness clubs instead of pubs

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 1

Fitness clubs instead of pubs

PA Wellington Neighbourhood clubs to replace existing pubs are recommended by the Health Department in its submission to the Working Party on Liquor Laws. The submission, which seeks a move away from the kind of outlet that concentrates most of its energies on the sale of alcohol, is among 220 received by the working party. Submissions have officially closed, but an extension has been granted to about eight organisations, including the Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council and the Hotel Association. The working party will begin its considerations of submissions in Wellington

today. The proposed neighbourhood clubs as recommended by the Health Department would supply extensive facilities, including a library, music room, a gymnasium and fitness instructor. Staff would promote “lifestyle alternatives” beyond a primary emphasis on alcohol. Clubs could be within walking distance of the homes of many patrons and offer free entry, although a nominal charge could be made for facilities. People aged between 16 and 19 should be admitted when accompanied by spouse or a family member aged 20 or over. The department’s submission quotes estimates that the cost of alcohol misuse to

the New Zealand public hosEital system could be as igh as $ll5 million a year. It opposes any measures likely to lead to greater consumption of alcohol, including its sale in supermarkets and the introduction of more retail outlets. Submissions received by the working party have provided opposite viewpoints on diverse issues, including the need for controls over the effects of alcohol, the drinking age, advertising, club licences, supermarket sales, and the provision of. food. The Tourist and Publicity Department, in its submissions, makes a strong plea for relaxation of the liquor laws affecting tourists.

It calls for more flexible trading hours, with the proprietor determining the hours. It also asks that i restrictions be relaxed so that wines and beers can be sold at any establishment selling food to eat on the premises. International-class hotels should be allowed to provide such services and en- ; tertainment as required to ; meet the demands of guests and casual patrons, for « special dining hours, ex- , tended drinking hours, meetings, social gatherings, entertainment and shopping facilities. - The Liquor Industry Council says it supports ; stricter enforcement of ‘ existing liquor laws and ; stiffer penalties. It says it is firmly com-

mitted to the encouragement of moderation in drinking through education and other measures such as training those who serve in intervention techniques. It opposes any sweeping control measures attempting to reduce the incidence of alcohol misuse, saying change cannot be imposed by arbitrary action. The legal minimum drinking age should be 18, it says. The working party’s research officer, Mr Michael Stace, said its members would travel at least to the main centres to discuss selected submissions. The working party is required to have prepared new legislation by August this year.