"MOST IMPORTANT"

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 128, 1 June 1936, Page 11

"MOST IMPORTANT"

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

SALE OF LIQUOR INCIDENTAL

An intimation that before the meeting was officially adjourned he would have something to say to all licensees who had been convicted during the year was given by Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., chairman of the Wellington Licensing Committee, at an early stage of the annual meeting of the committee, which opened inthe Magistrate's Court this afternoon. When the committee was dealing with an application by Thomas Wolfe for the issue of a publican's licence in respect of the Imperial Hotel, Cuba Street, Mr. Mosley emphasised the vital importance of the provision of accommodation for the public. Mr. Mosley said it was alleged that in July, 1935. certain people applied at the Imperial Hotel for accommodation and were refused. Mr. Wylie, who appeared for the applicant, said he thought the hotel had changed hands since that date. The providing of accommodation was a most important matter and was absolutely vital to all licensed houses in New Zealand, said Mr. Mosley. "From the public point of view," he continued, ''the sale of liquor is nothing. The whole reason for the licence being in existence is to provide accommodation for the public. The providing of liquor is merely incidental. If accommodation is not available and is not provided on demand by a reasonable person, who is ready and willing to pay for it, then the licensing committee has got to take notice of it." Mr. Wylie: I don't think anything of this nature is against the present applicant, sir. In reply to questions from Mr. Mosley, the applicant said he employed a cook, and seven rooms were available for accommodation. At present four boarders were staying at the hotel. Replying to Mr. Wylie, Mr. Wolfe said that no one had been refused a meal since he took over the hotel in December last. The Bench granted the application.