LIQUOR AT CABARET

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 127, 22 February 1941, Page 13

LIQUOR AT CABARET

Offence Described As Brazen

FINES IMPOSED

“Counsel for defendant has implied that this is not a deliberate breach of the law. I have said that ’deliberate’ is not the word—it is not strong enough. We should have to use the term •brazen’ for such an attempt to Hout the law. I think that is nrnre appropriate,’’ said Air. Luxford, S.M., in the Magistrates’ Court, Wellington, vesterday al. the conclusion of tbohearing of charges against AA illiam Albert Wilson, manager of the Crow s Nest Club (Mr. A. J. Mazengarb). who pleaded guilty to three charges ot allowing liquor to bo consumed in a dance-hall and not guilty to one charge of allowing liquor to be consumed in a restaurant. Defendant said that if his place were considered by the law to be a restaurant and he were convicted he would have to close up the business. •■Ou the evidence, it would be very much belter for the community if this place should go out of business atiu be closed," said Mr. Luxford. "Spirit of Lawlessness.”

“The spirit of lawlessness and of getting round and breaking the law has been serious, and is becoming serious. When we have laws which are openly flouted, ami people think it is clever that they can Hour, the law, then it is a very dangerous thing in the community. This, and similar offences under the Gaming Act, are probably more responsible than anything else for the large increase in juvenile crime at present."

Wilson was convicted on all charges: he was fined £2O on each of three and convicted and discharged on the fourth. Security for appeal was fixed in the case of the charge of permitting liquor to be drunk in a restaurant. Constable J. S. N. Guthrie said that on December 22, and on December 2S, he and another constable, with two women partners, went to the club, on the first occasion arriving al: midnight and leaving at 3.45 a.m. They paid £1 admission on the first occasion, and were shown to a table, one of about 45. A small portion of the Hour was set aside for dancing. A waiter brought them four glasses ami a bottleopener, ami they ordered supper and continued dancing till about 2.30 a.m. About two-thirds of the tables were occupied, and at some tables there uas liquor, comprising beer, whisky, and gin. They brought with them a bottle of beer, and one of port wine, which they put on the table. They went away for a dance, and when they came back the bottle of beer was gone, so the wine was opened, and each had a small quantity. On the second occasion, they did not take liquor with them The general conduct of the patrons wa.s that some of them were in various stages of intoxication. “Someone stole our bottle of beer, said Constable J. E. Bicknell, who gave corroborative evidence. On the second occasion he said, Wilson came to them and said, “I was told earlier in the evening who you are, and what you and your friend are up here for., You have only got me on one’ charge.” .Sergeant G. Callaghan said that he had on a later occasion asked Wilson if he had taken any steps to stop the drinking at (he club. “He said, ‘No, they drink in Auckland, they drink at every dance-hall, and they even drink at the police ball,’ ” said witness. AA 11son bad added that it was far better for patrons to drink inside the cabaret and have cordials with their liquor than to go outside and drink hard stuff. The charges of allowing liquor to be consumed in a dance-hall could not be denied, said ’Mr. Mazengarb, but he submitted there was no evidence that the club was a restaurant: it was not used as a meal-house, and was not licensed as a restaurant. On December 22, he added, Christmas parties wore being held, and there was a considerable amount of drinking going on. On the next occasion the New Year was almost on them and there was a good bit of the party spirit in the air.

AVilson did not give evidence. Senior-Sergeant G. J. Paine prosecuted.