THE LICENSING COMMITTEE.—A SUGGESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 11897, 27 May 1903, Page 7

THE LICENSING COMMITTEE.—A SUGGESTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The following suggestion seems to have so much to commend it that I shall be glad if you will kindlv find room for it:— Instead of refusing to renew the licenses of (?) thirteen hotels right away, the Committee might fee fit to cancel, say, eight, and to inform the remaining hotel keepers—1. That their licenses are granted only on condition of good behaviour, and that the Committee reserve to themselves the right to cancel the further number permitted by law. 2. That the right -will be .exercised on convictions being recorded for any one of the following offences:—(a) Supplying drunken persons with drink; (b) selling drink on Sundays ; (c) selling drink during prohibited hours; (d) selling adulterated liquor. 3. That cancellations will take place immediately after conviction for either of the above offences, regardless of the general status of the offending licensees, until the limit of reduction allowed by law is leached. I think, sir, you will agree that the adoption of this proposal would more

effectively advance the cause of temperance than the simultaneous closing of the maximum number of hotels which the Committee have power to shut up, because it would practically coinpei a strict observance of the law on the part of those left. It would also relieve the Committee from the painful duty otherwise before them of closing some houses with wdiich thev may have little or no faailt to find. The proposal emanated from a gentleman •in no way connected with the trade, and the writer's card will serve to satisfy you, sir that he also is not connected witti" the trade. Respectfully commending the suggested via media to the thoughtftd consideration of the Licensing Committee—l aII 'V etC -- AN OSLOoKfaI: May 27.