LIQUOR IN VICTORIA

North Otago Times, Volume CI, Issue 13235, 5 March 1915, Page 4

LIQUOR IN VICTORIA

HUIITHUMMED HOTELS (MSEI).

Willi an absence of attendant clamour which would seem.to indicate satisfaction in quarters generally very ready to make a noise, the Licenses Reduction Board in the State of Victoria continues to deal with hotels in a way. that surprises when attention is attracted. As tho result of eight years' work the Board has closed 8(13 hotels, paying coinpensation out of funds provided by the special taxing,of those engaged in the liquor trade in. proportion to their turnover. The aniountr paid in compensation to date from this fund is just under £41)0,000, So far the Board has been able to operate onlv in districts having more than what is called the statutory number of houses licensed for the sale of liquor. Thus it has up' to the present dealt with hotels in 117 out of 217 licensing districts. After J9JG the Licenses Reduction Board-will be able to operate in any licensing district according to what it finds necessary or desirable. The Haiuo period will see the end of the piesent system uudei which local option polls may be taken foi the puiposo of obtaining new licences in "understocked" districts. Thus no now victualleis' licenses will be obtaniv able after 1910, and the Licenses Induction Boaid may keep on cutting down tho number of houses at tho expcftso for compensation 'of tho trade i itself. •> < •> - • • I i