THE LICENSING LAW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21360, 13 June 1931, Page 19

THE LICENSING LAW

REQUESTS BY ALLIANCE MORE DRASTIC ENFORCEMENT URGED. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 12. A large deputation from the annual meeting of the New Zealand Alliance waited on the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) to-day in reference to several aspects of the licensing laws. It was asked, amongst other" things, that the existing licensing laws should be consolidated into two sections—one dealing with the referendum and the other with the regulative provisions; that the law relating to illegal trading should be more rigidly enforced; that the Minister of Customs should be empowered to refuse to grant a license for a brewery; that motorists found drunk in charge of vehicles should be more sternly dealt with; that the Government should untake educative work in regard to the effects of alcohol, and that action should be taken regarding liquor advertisements.

Introducing the deputation, Mr L. M. Isitt, M.L.C., said it was representative of 300,000 men and women. They were not asking for anything that was extreme, but their requests would be an answer to those people who claimed that the Alliance was opposed to regu lating the liquor traffic.

The Rev. J. Blanchard said that at the last annual meeting of the Alliance it was decided to urge on the Government that the bars should be closed on the statutory weekly holidays and halfholidays. If such a law came into operation, he claimed, it would tend to' reduce the amount of drunkenness.

The Prime Minister said he quite recognised the importance of the matters brought before him. He realised that in some directions they had a good deal of cause for complaint. For instance, in respect to the question of brewery licenses, until they tested a case in court, they had an idea that the Minister'of Customs was in a position to be able to refuse the issue of a license. As the result of the court’s decision, however, it was shown that that power was not in the hands of the Minister. Since then he had intimated to anyone who made application for a license that the Government intended to bring in legislation placing the matter in the hands of the Minister. The question had also been raised whether persons were entitled to distillery licenses in New Zealand, but he made it plain that the Government intended'to take away any right that might have been thought to exist. He felt that the'Government should have discretionary power in such cases. It had been his intention to bring down legislation last session, but it had not been possible to prepare a Bill in time. However, legislation would definitely be introduced next session. So far as the administration of the law was concerned, Mr Forbes said the Minister of Justice was endeavouring to see that the law they had on the Statute Book in regard to the liquor trade was enforced. He would refer the matter to the Minister of Justice. Mr Forbes went on to remind the deputation that additional taxation had already been placed on liquor. Voices; Only a halfpenny. Mr Forbes: Quite a substantial difference has been made. Voices: Not enough.

Mr Forbes : A substantial difference has also been made in other directions. So far as taxation is concerned I’ don’t remember a case previously in which a Government has had to increase taxation at every session of Parliament, but that has been the lot of the present Government. We have had more than our share of increasing taxation. It isn’t altogether the most pleasant thing to have to do.

Referring to the question of illegal trading'Mr Forbes said he did not know what the position was. He would get the information from the Minister of Justice. The question of holiday closing was another matter. Shops which sold aerated waters and similar refreshments remained open on holidays. A .voice; They sell innocuous liquor. Mr Forbes: Yes, refreshment. The question of advertising was one that could well be looked into. They had to recognise the right of anyone in business lo advertise, but misleading statements would not be allowed. It was recognised that there was always a certain amount of word-painting indulged in by those who wrote advertisements. He was in agreement with the deputation so far as intoxicated motorists were concerned. No punishment could be. too drastic for a man who endangered the lives of others by becoming intoxicated. They would see to it that provision was made that the punishment for these offences would be very drastic indeed. He would take the other matters into consideration.