Dr Paul Christoffel, a professional historian, will give a presentation on New Zealand's attitude to alcohol and the restrictions that have been imposed on its sale in the past.

For half the twentieth century it was generally illegal in New Zealand to buy alcohol after 6pm. Why was 'six o'clock closing' introduced? Did it achieve its aims? Why did it last so long? What was the reason for its eventual demise in October 1967? Dr Christoffel will examine these questions and also discuss the social effects, which included the exclusion of women from urban public bars, and the notorious 'six o'clock swill', where men drank as much beer as possible between 5 and 6 pm in overcrowded bars.

As a working historian, Dr Christoffel has produced substantial reports for Waitangi Tribunal inquiries, has had several books on NZ history topics published, and has had academic articles published in The Journal of NZ History and The Journal of NZ Studies.

Supported with funding from the TDC Community Grant.