Budget Debate Drinks Too Costly & Photo (Post)budget Debate** Drinks Too Costly?
By BILL TERRY
Post Staff Writer
NORTH PALM BEACH — Officials had to raise their
voices slightly to overcome the hissing of water being heated
for instant coffee in the conference room at the North Palm
Beach Village Hall last night.
It was the f irst review of the budget proposed for the
village -owned North Palm Beach Country Club.
Councilman Herb Watt pinpointed the issue when he told
of a comment he had heard.
"A resident said he could go to the PGA Golf Club in Palm
Beach Gardens and buy beer cheaper than at our club and not
have to sit on a chair falling apart. How about that?"
The club's new manager, John Hayes, shifted legs clad in
canary -yellow slacks and his grey goatee bobbed up and down
as he answered.
"We have $1,450 in the budget for new furniture," he said.
"We serve a more expensive brand of beer and in a larger
glass."
The talk turned to hard liquor as the coffee water contin-
ued to hiss.
"How do our liquor prices compare with those at, say, a
Big Daddy lounge?" Hayes was asked.
The manager, whose salary would rise from $15,500 to
$18,000 annually, said the lounge can buy liquor in big lots and
therefore at a lower price per bottle.
But, Hayes contended a liquor drinker who spent five
hours at the North Palm Beach Country Club would have more
money left than if he spent the same time in a lounge.
"Our drinks are larger," Hayes said.
Watt had another question.
"How do you let people know they're getting a good deal
at our country club?"
Hayes thought for a moment and his eyes twinkled. "They
will know it if they stay around long enough."