Giving customers ?what they want? vital for pubs? survival
With the possibility of the legal drinking age returning to 20, local pubs are facing another far-reaching change to how they operate. Over the past few years changes such as a ban on smoking indoors, and centralization of the funds from gaming machines, has meant local pubs have had to adapt to survive. On Jackson Street the Horse and Hound Club is the preferred ?hang-out for younger patrons? ? especially those from the polytechnic. Bar manager Sandy Waddell says they won?t be affected by the law change as most students frequent her bar midday for a burger and game of pool. Mrs Waddell says the trick to running a successful bar is giving the customers what they want. ?You have to listen to them, if they want a quiz night, bands playing, and then work on keeping them here,? says Mrs Waddell. Many pubs continue to thrive by building and nurturing ties with the community. The Horse and Hound supports Petone rugby and netball teams but find it ?hard in these days? to support more clubs. ?We used to be able to give money from the gaming machines to local clubs. ?But that was changed around four years ago,? she says. Around the same time smoking was moved outdoors, and fellow Petone bar the Fireman?s Arms adapted by creating an outdoor area. After 12 years on the Jackson Street strip, Fireman?s Arms owner Barbra Brunette says the pub has changed to become more of a family institution with Friday pegged as its social night. In terms of surviving for such a long time Mrs Brunette says, ?Our food may not be defined as gourmet, but the food is great value for money, that is a big thing I think, serving wholesome meals?.
