THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 499, 15 February 1900, Page 18

THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS

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uwTATT TARTFF

The new retail tariff, which came into operation on Monda y last, caused some considerable

discussion amongst the various patrons of the public-houses in Auckland, but the matter will in all probability only be a nine days’ wonder,. and then things will go on as before. Previous to Monday there were about fifteen or twenty hotels in the city where beer was sold at threepence a pint, and a very small number where it was sold in all portions of the house for that price. The hotels referred to were off the main thoroughfare, and depended more on a regular than a transient trade. The putting on of an extra penny will hardly be felt by the consumer,' and it will be of great assistance to the publican, who, contrary to the general opinion of the public, very often finds it a hard matter to make both ends meet. There is nothing like so much money in the Trade now as there was some six or seven years ago. Strict Sunday closing, an adherence to the law regarding selling during prohibited hours, and heavy rents, have knocked a good deal of the gilt edge off, and the publican who does more than pay his way and make a decent living is a rare bird. With regard to the extra charge that is being made for Puriri and Kamo water, and corked soda, some little explanation is perhaps due to the public. The custom of charging for particular brands of mineral waters is by no means a new one. When Apollinaris water was introduced in the colonies it was always charged extra for, and is up to the present time. A moment’s consideration by the consumer will show the justice of the practice. The publican has to pay a big price for these waters, and from a purely business point of view cannot afford to give them away, as it means ,a dead loss on every bottle opened. As regards ordinary soda and lemonade, he can better afford to give them, as his purchasing price is more moderate, and, besides, they can be utilised for shandy-gaff. To put it comprehensively, giving away a bottle of Puriri or Kamo with a glass of whisky or brandy is tantamount to giving away a small bottle of beer with every two glasses of whisky served, and although the extra charge may at first sight appear an extortion, any business man who will pause a moment and go into the matter will freely admit that the vendor is only asking a fair, legitimate profit on his wares. It is only too often the case that the publican is berated on all sides for an action that in any other trade would be considered perfectly legitimate; and yet his expenses are heavier in proportion, and the restrictions imposed upon him are more severe than in any other industry His hours are long, and his work arduous, and it is no exaggeration to claim that the same amount of capital and energy expended in almost any other branch of trade would pay a better return, and cause infinitely

less worry. I may say in conclusion that the present tariff will be tried for twelve months, and that if at any future time arrangements can be made that will permit of the Trade abating the extra charge on mineral waters without actual loss it will be at once done. It must be borne in mind that the extra charge is not for every glass of spirits served, but only for the bottle of mineral water opened; so that two, or even three or four, may partake of the contents, and only the one charge is made.