PUBLICANS AS GROCERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21621, 16 April 1932, Page 17

PUBLICANS AS GROCERS

RESULT OF BEER TAX. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, March 1. According to the Morning Post grocers and publicans of London are on the verge of “war.” It is reported that licensed victuallers in all parts of the metropolitan area have started large-scale dealing in groceries and confectionery in an endeavour to recapture the trade of which the beer tax has deprived them. Grocers are naturally protesting, but the publicans reply that it is only a fair retaliation in view of the fact that they themselves compete in the sale of liquor from “ off license ” premises. If the movement develops to any extent there is a possibility that the grocers will apply for legislation to check what they regard as an unwarrantable intrusion on their business. Tea, coffee, and cocoa; cheese, ham, and sausages, sauces; chocolates and sweets; canned goods of every description are being stocked by publicans. The departure is regarded as a direct result of the provisions of the Emergency Budget, Previously the number of public houses which carried out any trade at all in provisions was negligible. Groceries are only obtainable at the majority of houses up to 8 p.m. After that time their sale is prohibited by law. On the other hand, grocers who enjoy the privileges of an off-license may sell liquor up to the same hours as the public houses. None the less, many grocers are complaining that their business is seriously affected, and state that they will seek every means of having the new movement checked.