SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Northern Advocate, 27 November 1948, Page 6

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

An important new provision in the bill makes it lawful for liquor to be supplied and consumed at social gatherings on unlicensed premises. This applies to all unlicensed premises except restaurants, which arc defined as premises in which food or refreshments are sold to the general public for consumption on the premises. There is a stipulation that no fewer than 20 persons must be present. A number of conditions also have to be complied with. The persons present must be members of the organisation by whom the social gathering is held, or be guests specially invited. No charge is to be made for liquor at the gathering other than a charge for admission, and this charge must be reasonable. Profits must belong to the organisation and no individual member is entitled to any such benefit, either directly or indirectly. | In prosecutions for breaches of these' conditions the burden of proof will be on the defendant. These provisions do not affect the existing legislation relating to liquor at dances.

ana documents relating to the premises or furniture, chattels or stock. The applicant may also be required to disclose to the committee any written or oral agreement under which the licensee is required or bound to obtain his supplies of liquor from or through a particular holder of a brewer’s or wholesale licence, or one of a number of holders of such licences. If any agreement exists under which the licensee is entitled to some concession or benefit, the licensing* committee may make an order declaring that the licensee is hot to be bound to purchase liquor from these sources, but he will still be entitled to the concession or other benefit. The licensing committee may also make an order varying the provisions of an agreement. Any party has the right to apply to the committee for such a variation. These orders are to have the effect of court orders. Tourist house and works canteen licences may be granted in nolicence districts.