THE LICENSING LAWS

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 152, 29 June 1917, Page 7

THE LICENSING LAWS

. .. • ■'--♦-.. 1 E-OW- THEY MIGHT BE • " ' . AMENDED.

In an interview with a reporter after hearing the views of the deputation on Monday lafit, Mr R.. McOallt,im, M.P., gave it as his firm opinion that some- very amendments in our licensing laws will have to_ be made in the near future.; On being asked to sfcute 3iis views, Mr MoGallum formulated the following as a. basis along tha lines of which some j essential reforms might be effected; He. would, not commit himself /to the last three until he knew the full details, of the measures bringing thesm into operation, but he thought they indicated the direction along wlrch sane and effective legislation might be passed:— j 1. The liquor trade is not a discreditable one if properly conducted. 2. A distinction should be drawn between the retail trade in spirits and? that of mild ale.

.-.- 3. No honest man should bo a party to rohbing a licensee who has bought into the business in good faith and observed tho law. That the State cannot be a party to robbing anyone, and licensees dispossessed or restricted must be adequately; compensated. • :4. • That State control should be given a fail- trial. By, this is meant the establishment of a D'spartment of.Licenses, and tho< appointment of ■a Minister of .tr-?m responsible to Parliamrafc for tl c Tii'iper conduct Of the trade and ul^n-'xl with the immediate duty of Iv.mging in an amending measure, giving him ample powers. ; .

.5. Ihat such things as monopoly, "tied houses 7' for any kind of sup.p lies whateyer. trader-owned licenses^ and specnlating in-i licenses ■ ar^ against public policy, and should be promptly dealt 'with and: suppressed. . 6. That a compensation fund for premises closed, as in Victoria, should be established without delay.