LICENSING REFORM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18877, 1 June 1923, Page 7

LICENSING REFORM.

CONFERENCE CONCLUDED. ' , MEASURES AGREED UPO'N. AN ASSOCIATION FORMED. '■ (Pee United Peess Association.) . WELLINGTON, May 31. The, sittings have concluded here of the * i conference of delegates ,of 'the Anglican Synod (Auckland), the Associated Clubs, the Moderate League, and the Licensed Trade ■ of New Zealand, a summary of - whose ; , scheme for reform of the liquor trade waa telegraphed yesterday. It was decided to form a body to be - known as the New Zealand Licensing Re- i' form Association to carry into effect the proposals agreed to by the pending legislation or a referendum; Tiio V proposals are to be made the subject of > immediate presentation to Parliament, including State supervision of manufacture, : the adoption of a Government standard ot; liquor, licensing of barmen, abolition of licensing committees, and appointment _of permanent licensing boards, comprising three stipendiary magistrates for each dis- . trict. Among the decisions arrived at were the ' following:— That a special department or a branch - of the existing department be charged with the duty of supervising the manufacture, ini-, portation, and sale ot alcoholic liquors, and all matters in connection with the laws relating thereto That in order to prevent trafficking in' - licenses, transfers shall not be allowed under three years, except through sickness, death,, - or other special circumstances. - That the penalties for allowing drunkenness on premises, for illegal trading and . other abuses of licenses bo more strictly enforced, the licensee to be at all times >■ personally responsible for the acts of his servants. That where a conviction on a serious breach of the law is obtained, amagistrato be given power to declare that the person., convicted is unfit to hold a publican’s ' license, subject to the right of appeal to ; the Supreme Court. That with a view to limiting the’ consumption of spirits, legislation be promoted providing for the establishment of a,cafe system for the sale of light wines and beer only. That there bo a redistribution of redundant licenses from one district to another in accordance with the needs of the public. That no extension of the hours for sale •of liquor in chartered clubs be allowed, but provision be made for the adoption by - members of the looker system, and for ■' the extension of hours under special circumstances. , * That the licensing law be so amended as to put licensed premises and restaurants on the same footing as halls and other rooms in regard to the consumption of liquor at social gatherings, provided that a permit be first obtained from the police.