Panton Hill Hotel bans lemon, lime and bitters for children

A Victorian pub has banned a popular drink for kids over fears it could be slapped with a fine. The move has led to abuse from some customers who say the crackdown is ridiculous.

Arianne Chappell and Cindy Hansford enjoy a lemon, lime and bitters at the Panton Hill Hotel. Picture: Tony Gough

A Victorian pub has banned children from drinking lemon, lime and bitters over fears it could be fined for serving alcohol to minors.

The Panton Hill Hotel has had the policy since new state laws prohibiting the supply of alcohol to minors on licensed premises under any circumstances took effect last September.

Previously, youngsters could legally have alcohol with a meal if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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The hotel’s duty manager, Lynda Hunter, said that because the bitters component of lemon, lime and bitters was alcoholic, it was “too risky”.

“It is to safeguard ourselves from a penalty,” she said.

“The way we make it, it is no longer just a couple of drops of bitters.”

Panton Hill Hotel duty manager Lynda Hunter pours a lemon, lime and bitters. Picture: Tony Gough

Manager Julie Buckingham said the pub also did not allow staff to drink lemon, lime and bitters if they were P-plate drivers.

“It is unknown whether it will show up on a breath test,” Ms Buckingham said.

Drinks served with an alcoholic content greater than 0.5 per cent by volume at a temperature of 20C are considered liquor.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation said a lemon, lime and bitters drink could be considered alcoholic, but it depended on the amount of bitters used.

“The minor addition of bitters to a soft drink would not normally constitute liquor under the legal definition,” a spokeswoman said.

A bottle of bitters is liquor. Picture: Tony Gough

“We advise all our licensees to take care that an appropriate mix is used, particularly if being supplied to minors, given the recent legislative changes mean that licensees must ensure no liquor is supplied to minors on licensed premises, even if they are partaking in a meal and accompanied by adults.”

Anita Coia was surprised when the hotel refused to serve the drink to daughter Zoe, 10, and son Max, 6.

“They said they were really sorry but we can’t supply it,” Ms Coia said.

Ms Hunter said the adults-only policy had prompted abuse from some customers, who said it was “ridiculous”.

“But once I explain to them that bitters has an alcohol content of 44.7 per cent, most people understand,” she said.

Australian Hotels Association Victoria CEO Paddy O’Sullivan said lemon, lime and bitters prepared according to standard industry practice would not be regarded as alcoholic.

The drink is usually made by lining the inside of a 285ml glass with a small amount of bitters and adding lemonade and lime cordial. Some hotels serve a pre-mixed variety.

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@KarenCollierHS