HOTEL BAR FOOD

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 8

HOTEL BAR FOOD

TIME FOR CURTAILMENT “SOMETHING MUST BE DONE” (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday The opinion that if New Zealand hotelkeepers did not voluntarily cease “shouting” drinks and providing free counter lunches they would be forced to do so by economic conditions was expressed by the president of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, Mr T. Coltman, to-day. He said the executive of the association believed that the time had arrived when something must be done to meet increased costs. .The cost of food said Mr Coltman, had increased by 20 to 30 per cent, and that of labour about the same. The price of liquor to the public, however, had not been increased. AUCKLAND APPROVAL A CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday Licensees of many Auckland hotels, according to inquiries made in the city and suburbs yesterday, approved the action taken in Christchurch in curtailing counter lunches and “shouting.” The practice of giving free snacks to customers at. regular intervals throughout the day has always involved the trade in considerable expense, but shorter hours, higher wages and the greater cost of foodstuffs has meant an additional burden in recent years. POBITION IN HAMILTON WILL FOLLOW AUCKLAND Asked regarding the elimination of counter lunches and the curtailing of “shouting” in hotels in Hamilton, a licensed victualler stated this morning that as local licensed victuallers were members of the Auckland Association any decision made by that body would be enforced in Hamilton. In the meantime, however, the usual practices would be continued.