Mangawhai Tavern regulars, from left, Kevin Padget, Aaron Gay and Bob Bain with owner Gillian Houser. Photo / APN
The Government believes New Zealand drivers aren't ready to moderate their drinking. We know they are. So take responsibility for keeping our roads safe by signing up: Two Drinks Max.
- Sign up at nzherald.co.nz here
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Historic Mangawhai Tavern, halfway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, has been a favourite watering hole for travellers since 1865.
Owner Gillian Houser provides a free pick-up and drop-off service to patrons, and drivers who end up in a bad way by the end of the night are
looked after. Houser's staff see they get safely to bed, and clients can pick up their vehicles from the pub the following day.
Houser set up free transport when she bought the tavern two years ago, despite the service causing a financial strain.
"Possibly at times it's questionable, but overall you just have to build it into cost of business," says Houser. "Living in country town there is no public transport and there are no taxis, so I thought it essential to have that service."
Houser was reluctant to sign up to the Two Drinks Max campaign saying lowering the drink driving limit would not stop the problem. "I think what it will do is penalise those who drive sensibly," she says. "I think the people really abusing the system are those who won't take any notice and won't change their ways."
Mangawhai Tavern staff take their role of responsible hosts seriously.
"We watch and we don't serve alcohol to anyone who looks like they shouldn't be served any more and we encourage people to use our courtesy vehicle service," says Houser.
Susan Travan, manager of the Leigh Sawmill Cafe in Leigh, just south of Mangawhai, is supportive of the Two Drinks Max campaign.
"It's all about responsible drinking," says Travan. "If you're promoting responsible drinking in your establishment, it shouldn't be problem."
If anyone looks like they are heading for a vehicle when they are too intoxicated to drive, the Leigh Sawmill Cafe staff will steer them away from wreaking havoc on the roads.
"We ply them with coffee and water and make them sit outside, chat to their friends find out where they're going," says Travan. "We look out for everybody. The security staff keep a good eye on people. Obviously some people must slip through the cracks."
