SOLD BEER TO YOUTHS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29468, 21 March 1961, Page 8

SOLD BEER TO YOUTHS

Milkbar Owner Fined £7O TIV.Z. Press .Association) NEW PLYM., March 20. An Ok ato milkbar proprietor who sold beer to youths was fined a total of £7O by Mr A. W. Yortt, S.M.. in the Magistrate’s Court, at New Plymouth today. He was Ernest Victor Simpson, who pleaded guilty to two charges of selling intoxicating liquor without a licence and to a charge of being a party to an offence committed by a youth of purchasing beer while under 21.

Senior Sergeant Waller said the prosecution resulted from youths aged 14. 15 and 16. being found in possession of liquor at a dance at Okato. Simpson had been an unfailing source of supply, selling liquor to boys or purchasing it for them at the Okato Hotel and handing it over.

When interviewed by the police. Simpson frankly admitted supplying the beer. He said he had been frequently pestered by youths too young to get liquor, and had’ finally given in to their requests. Senior Sergeant Waller said Simpson said he had been young himself once, and had supplied the liquor "out of the kindness of his heart.” It was admitted Simpson did not make much monetary gain, but his selling of the liquor was an undermining influence and could lead youths to commit other offences.

The Magistrate said the boys concerned had been before him in the Children’s Court.