Anti-Shouting Regulations

Northern Advocate, 9 April 1942, Page 2

Anti-Shouting Regulations

THOUGH it may be argued that prohibition of “shouting” would be merely tinkering with the control of liquor question during wartime, there is nevertheless a great deal to be said in favour of anti-shouting regulations. Legislation of this character had good effect for a time when introduced in the Dominion during the war of 1914-18, and, if strictly administered, it would undoubtedly reduce the quantity of liquor consumed at the present time, when the Dominion is in a position of peril which did not exist during the first World War. There are few people, drinkers or non-drinkers, who would not welcome the re-introduction of anti-shouting legislation. Those who enjoy a glass of liquor and the conviviality associated with the company of friends like-minded, would be very glad, whether or not they said so openly, to feel that the law forbade them from “shouting” and returning “shouts,” which would make them drink more than they wanted to drink in a public bar. Doubtless, as happened when the anthshouting law was in existence on the previous occasion, some would try to circumvent the law, but it is difficult to believe that decent citizens, realising the need for general reduction of drinking in wartime, would not regard observance of the law as a matter of honour, as well as one of economic prudence.

That anti-shouting regulations would require the backing of public opinion is not to be denied, but we have sufficient confidence in the commonsense and honesty of the average man believe that an effort to discountenance a social practice which is frequently condemned even by those who participate in it, would be loyally supported by 'all worthwhile citizens. The Prime Minister is reported to be giving serious consideration to overtures made by the heads of the religious bodies in the Dominion to secure reduction of the alcoholic content of beer, restriction of output, and other reforms of the liquor trade.

It is to be hoped that he will include in his review the advisability of reintroducing anti-shouting legislation in a form that would make it workable, as well as enforceable upon those by whom contempt for the law does not seem to be regarded as a matter of disgrace.