NEW DRINK RULES

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15490, 18 January 1916, Page 8

NEW DRINK RULES

DRASTIC REGULATIONS IN FORCE. FEWER CHARGES OF DRUNKENNESS. (FKOII OUR OWN COBBESrOXDENT.) LONDON, December 3. This week the new regulations, drastically limiting the facilities for obtaining alcoholic refreshment, came into force in the London area, and, generally speaking, they have 4 been accepted in a philosophical manner. The public-houses have dispensed tea, coffee, and soup, but they protest that they are trading at a loss. On the other hand, it would appear that tho reduction of drinking facilities has been responsible for an improvement —tnere have been lower ciiaigcs of drunkenness in the Police Courts in London and suburbs. At Acton, yesterday, no cases came up, at iUaryiebone tnere was one, and at. ClerKenwell the unusually small number of eight. An even more notable instance was seen at the Old Street Police Court, when Mr Clarke Ball had to dispose of only three charges of drunkenness. Commenting upon this fact, ho said: '"This shows tho value of the order, as we have only had three charges or drunkenness at Old Street, one of the busiest courts iu the metropolis, for chargcs of this kind." -Mr Hall's remark expressed the truth, for at no time within the existence of the Court in Old Street, or of that in Worship street, has tnere been such a small number of charges of drunkenness.

An agitation against the new regulations is being carried out in all parts of London, conducted by Mr.J. Terrett, the secretary of the London Trades Unionist Protest Committee. By invitation of the Control Board, ne ir„oected the evidence in possession of txiat body on the subject of the drinn question. He says tuat he found no figures regarding convictions for drunkenness against munition workers had been compiled. It is said that discontent still exists in the dock districts. Although steps have been taken to meet the hardship of night workers in these areas, the men complain that insufficient early morning accommodation has been provided, and that the houses allowed to open. between the hours of o a.m. and 7 a.m. are not those they would have chosen. Following are the most important changes introduced by the new order, and it will be seen that they are fairly drastic in a land where public opinion has not permitted much in the way of teruierance reform: —

Public Houses:. Hours during which alcoholic liquor can be obtained : Weekdays 12 noon to 2.ix> p.m., 6.30 to 9.30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spirits for consumption off the premises may be ordered only between 12 noon and 2.30 p.m., cxcept on Saturdays and Sundays, when no orders may be given. By a modification of the original order, dock and wharf public-houses are permitted to sell alcoholic liquor from o a.m. lo 7 a.m., but the middgy hours in these cases are 12.30 to 2.3!). Public-houses may remain open throughout the day, as hitherto, for the sale of food and non-intoxicants.

Off Licenses: —The hours of business are the .same as in the case of publichouses. Beer, but not spirits, may >e sold from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Spirits can be removed only in a bottle or vessel bearing a label showing the situation of the licensed premises, and the quantity must not be less than one reputed quart.

[Restaurants :—Alcohol must not bo ordered or supplied between 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.. or after 9.30 p.m. So credit may he giver, for meals with which alcohol is served.

Hotels: —Residents may not purchase alcohol before 12 noon, between 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m., or after 9 o.m. * All alcoholic refreshment must be paid for on the spot unless served with a meal. "Treating" is forbidden in the private as well as in the public rooms. Tt is as illegal for men to 'treat" a member of his own family as to "treat" a friend. Clubs: —The hours during which alcohol may be supplied or consumed are tiie same as in the case of publichouses. Railway Buffets.—No spirits may be supplied for consumption off the premises.

General: —It should be distinctly understood that the new regulations do not partially "close" public-houses, hotels, restaurants, or clubs, which may carry on their business in the usual way so far as it relates to the sale of non-intoxicants or the provision of food and lodging. What they do forbid is the sale, of alcohol except at certain specified times. The "no treating" order remains in force as heretofore#