EARLY CLOSING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 237, 5 October 1940, Page 7

EARLY CLOSING.

SHOCK FOR FIJIANS.

NEW LICEHSMQ LEGISLATION.

SUVA, September H.

Under new regulations issued on September 20 under the Defence (Amendment) Regulations, all hotels in Fiji uiust dose at 7 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. as previously, as from October L

This new regulation has cawed consternation throughout the Colony, and the measure has come in for general condemnation. There is little, if any* drunkenness to be seen on the streets in Fiji, which is m matter of gratification when it is realised that persons of various races, besides Europeans hava permits entitling them to purchase intoxicating liquor*.

The hotels in the colony are more in the nature of clubs, where residents can repair in the evening for relaxation and conversation over a drink in the lounge. This is in marked contrast to the six o'clock law in Xew Zealand and Australia, where increased liquor is consumed becauw the time is limited in which it is legally available.

Opinion 3orally is that any restriction other than J lifll which is her® only leads la aluiM>s and driv<* tlio trj.de un<iei'™roun<L In the country in parlicular, wlifit people La vc to po f-ome diftanoe frona Ihoir work 1® tbf h«tH, Jhe evening trade w ill 3>e lost altogether. Con«der.abkt rcs«ntaont has been aroused over this amendment, and it i* hoped that some measure of relief mill be afforded to those whose living is thus eerioiMly affected, if not in the interests :of the general public and of keeping the trade clear and above ground.