THE BOTTLE STORE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 49, 26 August 1926, Page 7

THE BOTTLE STORE

IS IT LEGALLY A BAR?

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHUKCH, 25th August.

A problem which will probably affect the licensees of a number of hotels in New Zealand was put before Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when he was asked to settle the question as to whether a bottle store in an hotel is a bar within the meaning of the Licensing Act. George Isles, licensee of the Provincial Hotel, was charged with employing a female in or about the bar of such licensed premises at a time when the bar was open for the sale of liquor.

Mr. Upham said that the facts which the police would adduce would be admitted. The position was that the woman, in respect of whom complaint was made, was employed in the bottle store, which, he contended, was 'not a bar within the meaning of the Act, since liquor was not sold in it for consumption on the premises. It contained no fittings, such, as machinery for drawing liquor, and no glasses. Sub-Inspector Mathew contended that since liquor was Bold in the bottle store it was a bar, and that therefore, as the woman employed in the store was not a registered barmaid, the licensee was contravening the law.

In evidence, Isles said that there was no particular advantage in . employing a woman in the bottle store, and it would make no difference to the trade if he had to dismiss _ her through the decision in the case being given against him. Mr. Upham. said that the case was of special importance at the present time, as fresh legislation was now pending in which the distinction should be made clear. If the decision were given in time it could be taken into account.

The Magistrate said that he would give his decision as early as possible, and reserved judgment in the meantime.