LIQUOR IN CLUB

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 221, 18 September 1942, Page 4

LIQUOR IN CLUB

£20 FINE IMPOSED PROPRIETOR IN COURT As the result of a visit paid by the police to El Rey Country Club, the proprietor, C. B. Peterson, appeared in the Polic Court to-day- on three summons charges of permitting liquor to be taken into a dance hall, permitting liquor to be consumed in a restaurant, and permitting the premises to be used as a place of resort for the consumption of liquor in a no-license area. Mr. Trevor Henry appeared for defendant, who pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Joyce said that on the night a constable went to El Rey with a partner he found between 250 and 300 persons present. Patrons brought their own liquor, which was labelled and left in the bar for their use. The club was situated in Mount Roskill, which was a no-license district. "For many years El Rey has been a feature of the social iife of this city and no one can point a finger in any wav at lack of control."' said Mr. Henry. "It has been going on for many years as a place of entertainment; in fact it is one of the leading places of entertainment in Auckland. The conduct of the premises has at all times been beyond reproach. Counsel added that while it was not, as Mr. Luxford had said, for the Courts to condone breaches of the law. the essence of his remarks was that well conducted places could not be the subject of any harm, but once thev were'driven out of control, then evils would spring up. Mr. Henry quoted from a sub-leader in the Auckland Star, in which it was stated that control should be effectual, but this would not be as long as in so many respects it was felt, and by law abiding people, that the licensing law was unreasonable and vexatious. Remarking that he had nothing further to add to his previously expressed opinion. Mr. J. H. Luxford. S.M., imposed a fine of £20 on the first charge. The second and third charges were withdrawn by the police.