THE LICENSING LAW.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 2728, 7 December 1910, Page 3

THE LICENSING LAW.

THE QUESTION OF SMOKE

NO LICENSE NO LIQUOR

Until the passing of the newest Licensing Amendment Act, it was quite lawful, even in a no-license district, for members of athletic clubs, lodges, and

, similar organisations to entertain their | friends with a drop ot whisky or a glass of beer when they foregathered for pleasure or business. Now, however, anything stronger than coffee or ginger beer is strictly forbidden at these gatherings, and the brethren will have to sing " He's a jolly good fellow " and similar melodies without a taste of the liquor that inebriates as well as cheers. No more will bowlers in no-license distnctsbe able to tell their fellow players that the mysterious " someone " requires their attendance at the " telephone," and to produce from the locker the black bottle that contains the amber liquor so dear to the hearts of some men. Not only will they be debarred from treating their friends and visitors, but they also are prohibited from keeping even a " wee drop" for their own use. Wherefore, there is much tribulation in many quarters. The clause in the new Act that has caused all the trouble is as follows :— " It shall not be lawful within any nolicense district, or within any area to which Section 273 of the principal Act is applicable, for any person to store or keep liquor for any other person, or to lease, let, hire, or permit or suffer to be jsed any building or place belonging to or occupied by him or in his possession or under his control, or any part of any such building or place, for the purpose of storing or keeping therein or thereon any liquor for or by any other person. Every person who commits a breach of this section is liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds, and for a second or any subsequent offence to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months."