DescriptionIn 1890s New Zealand a temperance movement was gaining force calling for the banning of alcohol. Many associated domestic violence and crime in New Zealand with the abuse of alcohol leading to votes for or against the banning. In 1894 the Clutha District became the first region to vote for No-Licence. No-Licence banned the sale of alcohol in the district. From a total of 2478 votes, 1642 Clutha District residents voted No-Licence carrying the vote at 66.3%. Clutha remained the only dry district in the country until 1902 when the Mataura District also voted for No-Licence.
Clutha continued to be dry into the 1950s at which time the Clutha Licensing Trust (CLT) was established. The purpose of the CLT was to govern and monitor the sale of alcohol in the district. The CLT built hotels throughout the area and revenue from these premises were to be put back into the community. The CLT continues to govern the sale of alcohol in the Clutha District today, and they continues to use profits to provide grant funding for the community.
