"We welcome non-paying customers, but rather than putting a door charge on they can give something to the community." - Sprig & Fern owner Lee Fern.

The practice of filling up on cheap drinks at home before going out to local bars has been a long-standing problem for the hospitality industry, but one Nelson bar owner is more concerned with freeloaders than pre-loaders.

Sprig & Fern owner Lee Fern's decision to ask patrons who don't purchase food or drinks for a charity donation has been supported by Hospitality New Zealand and New Zealanders on the street..

Fern wants non-paying customers to donate to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Hospitality NZ president Adam Cunningham was in favour of the idea, saying people should be aware of the cost of live entertainment.

1 of 3 MARION VAN DIJK "It sounds good, otherwise paying customers might not get a seat." - Judy Painter, Auckland. 2 of 3 MARION VAN DIJK "I think it's reasonable - if you're coming and using their facilities it makes sense to ask people to contribute." - Steve Wilson, Nelson. 3 of 3 MARION VAN DIJK "I think it's a good idea because you're going into his bar and he's paid for it." - Morgan Higgins, 16, Nelson.

"It's always been a real challenge to put on live entertainment for patrons' enjoyment but also to ensure that you're not doing that as a community giveback," he said.

"What [Fern] has done in Nelson is a great thing to make people realise the costs of live entertainment".

He said giving musicians the opportunity to perform at bars was also important for to keep the live entertainment industry alive.

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"They can't get good at their profession if we can't afford to have them."

Fern's decision to implement the rule was prompted by a run-in with a long-standing customer who complained about smokers in the outdoor area where she was watching a band, despite her not paying for any drinks.

"People like that who don't put anything into the bar are really frustrating, we're a business and we pay for the bands. That's where I'm coming from," he said.

"We welcome non-paying customers, but rather than putting a door charge on they can give something to the community."

He said the woman who complained was a regular who came to listen to the live music but did not buy any drinks there.

The Hardy St bar's live music is played in an outdoor area where smokers are allowed. The woman had complained to the Fern three months ago about the smokers and recently returned with her partner who became verbally abusive to smoking customers, Fern said.

He had since trespassed him from the bar.

"It was creating problems for everyone else," said Fern.

The donation, the amount of which would be up to the individual, would be given to local charity Big Brothers Big Sisters in Nelson.

"We just want people to have a conscience," he said.

While monitoring all non-paying patrons might be difficult, he would leave payments to the honesty of people.

Hiring a band each week could cost the bar up to $800 per performance, said Fern.

"We don't just pluck that out of thin air."

He hoped to give Big Brothers Big Sisters more exposure by donating to them.

"They're someone struggling to get the recognition and need support."

Nelson's Vic Mac's Brewbar owner Zoe Williams said non-paying customers were always welcome at the bar, but it could be a "bit rude" to take up room there without buying anything.

She said Fern's requirement for a donation was not a bad idea.

"Off the bat it's probably a good idea. They'd know their money is gong to something worthwhile," she said.

Hospitality New Zealand Nelson branch president Ron Taylor said given the high costs for live music it was unsurprising that bar owners would look at alternative ways of dealing with non-paying patrons.

"You have to pay for anything that's entertainment these days and it's hard for a publican if you're having to rely on the bar to make money if there is no return from it."

The cost of hosting a live band meant the bar would need to make around three times that cost to gain a profit as a rule of thumb, Taylor said.

Fern's idea to ask for a donation from non-paying bar patrons was a good idea.

"It's always been a real challenge to put on live entertainment for patrons enjoyment but also to ensure that you're not doing that as a community giveback."

Bar owners hope that patrons know their live entertainment is a cost and the bar is not a public space.

"They can only remain open if the owner can afford to keep the doors open.

"What [Fern] has done in Nelson is a great thing to make people realise the costs of live entertainment".

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