LICENSING LAWS

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 March 1945, Page 2

LICENSING LAWS

POWERS OF POLICE. WELLINGTON, March 23. Insufficient powers were possessed by the police for the enforcement of the liquor laws, said the Commissioner of Police (Mr. James Cummings) concluding his evidence before the Royal Commission on Licensing to-day. He commented on the public’s attitude towards hotel hours. His observations were .made in reply to questions by the Chairman (Mr. Justice Smith). “Mr. Commissioner, you have made a number of suggestions for the improvement of the law, but the Commission was set up, I take it, with a view to inquiring into some sense of dissatisfaction (which is general) with the condition of the liquor trade,” said the Chairman. “From the point of view of your experience, what is the main mischief which requires to be remedied?” The Commissioner: After-hour trading, sir. The Chairman: You say that the great dissatisfaction which, has apparently resulted in the setting up of this Commission is due to failure to enforce the law? The Commissioner:. Yes. Due to insufficient powers being given to the police. “Alternatively,” said the Chairman, “is the failure to enforce the law partly or mainly due to the fact that numbers of people see no harm in breaking the existing law?” The Commissioner: A large number of people do consider they should not be restricted to the hours which licensed premises are open. The Chairman: Then let me ask you one further question. Do you, yourself, consider that that is a reasonable attitude, apart from the. existing laws and simply as a citizen, or not? The Commissioner: It is unreasonable. . .

The Chairman: You think the existing facilities for drinking are sufficient, having regard to the general good of the country, and that what is required is more power to enforce those laws? . The Commissioner: I think the hours provided are sufficient for drinking. They may want adjusting, but they are sufficient. The Commission has adjourned until April 10, when it will resume its sitting at Wellington, after which it will go to Auckland to take evidence.