LIQUOR CONTROL

Evening Star, Issue 18668, 24 June 1924, Page 2

LIQUOR CONTROL

BISHOP OF OXFORD’S BILL. Far-rcaching changes in Dio licensing laws are proposed in the Bill providing for tho “popular control” oi the liquor trade, introduced in the House of lords by the BisSiop of Oxford, states the ‘ Daily Telegraph? In an accompanying memorandum it is explained that the measure gives to tho inhabitants of boroughs and counties tho right oi deciding periodically whether j hev are to have no change in the conduct of tho liquor trade in their area, or whether the trade is to be reorganised, or whether all licenses arc to be abolished. Electors, by means of tho alternative vote, can vole preferentially in favor of one choice and alternatively in favor of a second one.

If an area votes for reorganisation a central body, called the Board of Management, appointed with the approval of and dismissiblc by Parliament, will take, over the liquor trade in tho area concerned. This board is not to be a licensing authority ; its functions are to be limited to the production and distribution of intoxicants in those areas which have voted for ieorganisation, subject to the supervision of tho justices, and of a central advisory committee (on which temperance bodies and private traders will bo represented), and of local advisory councils (consisting of licensing justices and representatives of public authorities!. In reorganisation areas it will bo tho duty of the lorn! advisory councils to notify the Board of Management as to the number of public-horses required in thoir areas, as to whore they are wanted, and as to the number to be closed as redundant. The board will make such structural alterations as may be desired for the supply of food and nonintoxicants, and for the observance of the other conditions laid down. They will not take over hotels or clubs in reorganised areas, but will supervise thorn in so far as the sale of intoxicants' is concerned.

A centra] compensation fund is created. Into this all profits from the reorganised areas will bo paid by the Board of Management, It is also proposed to pay into this central fund the trade levy established by the 1904 Licensing Act. This i fund will be available for the payment jof compensation in areas which vote ior No License or Reorganisation. It will not be under the control of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. None of the compensation money required will come from the taxpayer, and there is no actual or cou- . tangent liability on public funds.' Where an area votes for reorganisation the owners of properties acquired will be paid off as to capital by means of annuities, terminable in a maximum period of fifteen years. During this period 6 per cent, interest will be paid each year on such part of the capital as has not then been | redeemed. Compensation for loss of ern- ! ployment—depending on the nature and j length of such employment—-will be paid.