Editorial: RSA clubs serve more than alcohol

Napier RSA has had its liquor license suspended for selling to a person who was not an RSA member.

Napier RSA is running dry because of an error of judgment.

A barmaid sold a glass of wine to a person who was not a club member.

The woman was in fact an undercover inspector, contracted to the Ministry of Health to assist district health boards with investigations and compliance operations.

Clubs have a special licence that allows them to supply alcohol to club members, any guest or person accompanied by the member, or any member of another club.

The barmaid followed protocol in asking the woman if she was a member or affiliated and then directed her to sign in. However, her next move was a mistake. She completed the remainder of the form, stating that the woman was a guest of long-time member known as Loss.

The woman did not know Loss and did not speak to him that day. She took notes of the sale and then approached the duty manager.

The matter went to a hearing and the authority preferred the evidence from the experienced inspector to the slightly different evidence from the barmaid.

The bar's liquor licence has been suspended for 10 days and Graeme Mortensen's club manager's certificate suspended for 28 days.

Establishments need to abide by the legislation but I wonder if the punishment outweighs the offence. No alcohol was sold to a minor. RSA clubs have been closing around the country as membership numbers dwindle. The club coffers will surely take a hit during the 10 dry days.

Maybe we need to re-look at how we police our clubs - especially RSA clubs, which serve more than just alcohol to our community.