MEALS AND BOARD

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 124, 21 February 1944, Page 4

MEALS AND BOARD

Magistrate States Licensee’s

First Obligation Dominion Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, February 20. Convicting the licensee of the Waiau Hotel, Frank R. E. Britton, of failing to provide meals for travellers, Mr. Reid. S M., in the Magistrates’ Court, Culverden, said that the licensee of a hotel had certain duties to perform. His first obligation was to provide meals and accommodation. The selling of liquor was a second obligation. Though l:e fully appreciated the difficulty of securing labour today, defendant was also aware of the difficulties, end if he could not overcome them he would have to sell out. If he did not supply meals when required the matter would be' taken into consideration when lie next applied for a renewal of his publican’s licence. Evidence was given that about noon on January C Mr. C. AV. S. White, a railway inspector, visited the AVaiau Hotel "and asked for a meal. His request was refused by the barman. Notices displayed in the bar and the passageway of the hotel stated : “No meals, no accommodation after December 30 till further notice.” Defendant said that he was short of staff, hut had he seen Mr. White he would have arranged for him to be given a meal of some sort. He was ordered to pay coats and witnesses’ expenses.