By Laura Frykberg
The Hospitality Association says bars should have the same rights as strip clubs, brothels and cossie clubs when it comes to serving drinks on Christmas Day.
It says it is unfair for those out on Christmas Eve who can only get a drink after midnight in such establishments because of the different "services" provided, and it wants a law change.
Mermaids is a strip club and a brothel, and unlike other venues in Wellington, it can serve alcohol after midnight on Christmas Eve.
"We're different from other places because they're solely to serve alcohol, but we put on shows and entertainment," says manager Edwin Yates.
According to law, Mermaids can trade under an entertainment licence because its main purpose is to "put on a show", not supply liquor.
"We provide entertainment for people and I don't see a problem with it - bars and clubs are different," says Mr Yates.
According the 1989 Sale of Liquor Act, all taverns and hotels have to stop serving alcohol after midnight on Christmas Eve, but brothels like Ill Bordello can continue to serve alcohol right through until the early hours of Christmas Day.
The Hospitality Association's Scott Necklen thinks this law is flawed.
"We really feel that it's an unfair playing ground, and we would really like to see taverns have equal rights on Christmas Eve to trade as a club, or a strip club, does."
Mr Necklen says it is ridiculous that someone should have to watch sexual entertainment to have a drink.
"If you're out on Christmas Eve and you've been out for dinner and you want a drink, or you've done some last-minute shopping, the reality is you've got to go to a cosmopolitan bar or a strip joint to have a drink. You can't go to your local bar."
He says he hopes the Law Commission's review of the act next year will give bars the same trading opportunities as brothels, so if you feel like a late night drink you don't have to order it with a lap dance.
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