LICENSING COMMITTEES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 59, Issue 4254, 13 March 1950, Page 5

LICENSING COMMITTEES

(To The Editor)

Sir, With regard to the approaching poll for the election of licensing committees, it appears to me from questions I myself have been asked that very little is generally known of the status of these bodies and I would like to suggest to you that you should publish a short explanation of the powers and general duties of licensing committees a« regards control of licensed promises, allocation of licenses ef different descriptions, etc., also perhaps some reference to voting rights of the public, anything in fact of general interest in this connection. Paeroa. J. J. Poland.

Note:-tUnder the Licensing Act, 1908, the functions of a licensing committee are to receive and consider applications for and renewal of and transfer of publicans, accommodation, New Zealand wine, packet, wholesale and conditional licence.

Under the Amending 'Act of 1948 a licensing committee at its discretion may renew or grant any licence subject to any of the following conditions that a licensee shall within the stipulated titae cause to be carried out: —

(a) The installation of a proper hot water service in connection with any bar, bedroom, bathroom or other part of any licensed premises. (b) The provision of sufficient sanitary or other Accommodation for the comfort and convenience of the public or lodgers, guests or employees. (c) Such additions, alterations or repairs, or furnishings as shall be considered necessary. (d) The rebuilding of any premises, (e) Suoh other acts as the committee may think proper. Where any licensed premises are destroyed by fire a licensing committee may issue a permit to carry on in temporary premises. A licensing committee may on the application mdde by the superintendent or an inspector of police, cancel any license where the licensee has been convicted of any of the following offences:—

1. Breach of conditions of license

2. Permitting premises to be frequented by disorderly or disreputable persons.

3. Failing to conduct premises in a proper manner or permitting drunkenness thereon.

4. Permitting licensed premises to be used for the illegal sale of liquor at unauthorised times or allowing unauthorised persons to frequent premises during period when required to be closed.

5. Any other reason specified that the licensee is not a fit and proper person to hold a license A licensing committee can either cancel or order that no license be granted thereafter in respect of such licensed premises for a period not exceeding two years.

Under the 1948 act it may grant tourist house licenses and work canteen houses.

The committee has the power to grant, subject , to certain conditions, to the holder of any publican’s or accommodation license or to the secretary of any chartered club a permit to supply liquor for consumption off licensed premises after closing hours to persons attending any social gathering to be held on a date specified in such permit. It may also grant to any person on application a permit authorising the supply and consumption of liquor after closing hours of licensed promises in any restaurant by persons attending any social gathering on a date specified in the permit. It may grant permits to social gatherings on premises other than licensed premises or restaurants if more than 20 persons are present.

Any portoa on the eleoUMt for .any oleetorel district is entitlijnOT vote in reqpet of iieehafeft mK * mittee for that electorate. The does not extend to tie Maori -