Water in pubs not answer, say owners | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

A call to provide free water in licensed premises to limit excessive drinking is a lost cause, local bar and restaurant owners say.

 Under the Government's proposed changes to the liquor laws, licensed premises will
have to provide customers with free water.

But owners say most of the  city's licensed premises are already providing the service.

Pig and Whistle bar manager Bevan Brake  said it was the responsibility of licensed premises to assure the safety of staff and customers at all times.

"Providing free water is a simple practice. It shouldn't be about making money but making sure free water is always on hand for those who need it," he said.

The proposed change by the Government was announced this week following the plans to split the legal purchase age and giving communities more power over alcohol outlets.

Rotorua publican Reg Hennessy, who owns Hennessy's Irish Bar and The Shed, said the city had nothing to gain from the proposal because licensed premises had been providing free water for years.

The Bay of Plenty Hospitality Association of New Zealand president said the idea was a poor attempt to limit excessive drinking.

 "As far as I'm concerned the change won't make a difference," he said.

"We should be focusing on excessive drinking from home, family violence and cheap booze coming out of supermarkets.

 

 "It's good to provide options to reduce excessive drinking but providing free water is already happening. There might be the odd bar or high profile bars that don't but I think it's a waste of time and effort talking about it."

 

 The Side Pocket Bar owner Chris Fahy and Seismic Bar and restaurant owner Mericia Waqanimaravu both said their bars had always provided free water to customers and the problem started with excessive drinking at home.