Weaker Beer Mandatory

Northern Advocate, 14 August 1942, Page 2

Weaker Beer Mandatory

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Under the Manufacture of Liquor Emergency Regulations, which come into force on Saturday, no beer with specific gravity higher than 1036 may be brewed for sale except with the consent of the Minister for Customs, and under such conditions as he may prescribe. The Minister for Health (Mr. Norrimeyer) said the regulations would compel brewers who had not reduced the alcoholic content of their beer to come into line with the majority of brewers who had loyally fallen in with the Government’s wishes. Under certain technical circumstances, such as for blending, the gravity for both beer and stout may be higher than 1036. .The regulations also prohibit, except with the Minister’s consent, the use of spirits of wine in the manufacture for sale of intoxicating liqucms.

A customs resolution passed by the House of Representatives on April 31 provided for an increase of 1/- to 3/- a gallon in the duty on New Zealand beer not exceeding 1036 worts specific gravity. Where that specific gravity is exceeded, one penny a gallon is to be paid for each unit exceeding 1036. Conversely, there is a deduction of one penny a unit for each unit below 1036 down to and including 1027, when the duty would be 2/3 a gallon. The Minister stated at the time that reductions in specific gravity meant that the alcoholic strength of beer would be reduced. The average New Zealand beer contained about 8 per cent, proof spirit, and 1036 gravity would contain about 6 per cent. Brewers would have every incentive to brew at low gravity, and. if it were found that a gravity of 1036 was not in due course achieved, then consideration would require to be given to the question of ensuring it.