DRINK TRAFFIC

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1932, Page 5

DRINK TRAFFIC

BRITISH PROPOSALS

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, Jan. 7

The Royal Commission in Licensing, which lias ben sitting for over two years, and examined scores of witness's, representing different viewipoints on the highly controversial subject, has now issued practically an unanimous report, although three of the nineteen members dissent from certain proposals.

The main recommendations are:— Uniform dosing hour of 10 p.m. through the country for all public houses, but extension in establishments where meals are served with drink.

Speedier reduction of redundant lieenses.

Improvement of the public houses as a place of general refreshment. Experimental expansion of public ownership. Creation of a National Licensing Commission to stabilise the policy. Aiore effective control of clubs, and special hotel and restaurant licenses. The Commission proposes that clubs should he subject to the same law as hotels, with police right of entry.

It admits that it views with apprehension the growth of the cocktail habit among the young of both sexes, out in face of considerable indulgence in the habit in private houses, the Commission is unable to submit a recommendation. Lady Ernest Simmon is the only straight out advocate of public ownership.