Liquor report deemed “harsh”

Press, 9 January 1987, Page 23

Liquor report deemed “harsh”

PA Wellington The recent report of the Working Party on the Liquor Laws showed a total misunderstanding of the Licensing Trust movement, according to the president of the Licensing Trusts’ Association, Mr Keith Eddy. Mr Eddy said the misunderstanding probably led to harsh treatment of trusts in the working party’s recommendations. “The report says there is no evidence in the results of triennial polls that the public wants the trust system extended. “Of course there is no evidence — there is no question on the ballot paper about trusts,” he said.

We have evidence from thousands of customers who rely on us for drinking facilities, restaurants and accommodation, that there is considerable public demand for our system of local community involvement and control.” Mr Eddy challenged the report’s criticism of trust

monopolies. He said trusts did not have monopoly rights at present, with numerous other licences in trust areas.

Mr Eddy said that the working party proposed more competition in trust areas and allowing them to compete outside their areas.

“It is as if they believe competition is new to us. We can and do compete and have no fears about continuing to do so although it worries us that there may be a proliferation of licences granted to small operators who offer nothing special.”

Mr Eddy said the association would be writing to the Minister of Justice, Mr Palmer, advising him of several concerns, but also supporting many of the working party’s recommendations, including the proposals for reducing the types of licences available, more flexible hours and the abolition of public bars.