THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 26

THE LIQUOR TRADE.

(By Cable).

The British Liquor Control Board statistics reveal a remarkable decrease in drunkenness and suicides throughout the United Kingdom. The board is considering the closing of a. further 60 hotels. An Order-in-Council empowers the naval and military authorities, or the Minister of Munitions, to close or further restrict tho horn's for licensed premises in any area; also music halls and dancing halls, if prejudicial to discipline or the output of munitions. The Daily Chronicle warns the public that they must expect fresh proposals to regulate the liquor traffic, even State purchase, which the Government arc now considering. Tho Liquor Control Board's experience has proved conclusively tho desirability and effectiveness of the existing restrictions imposed by the boards, while State ownership at Carlisle has proved a. notable success. The Da'lv Chronicle now says more definitely that tho State will shortly buy out control of the drink trade. Though tho scheme is vast and intricate, the Government will be able to utilise Mr I.lovd George's plans early in 1915, which Mr Asquith had to drop as beinp over-contro-versial. The Daily Express says it is believed the nationalisation will cost 5200.C00.00a for England and Wales alone. The Morning Post says the Cabinet lias not yet considered any scheme for the purchase of the liquor trade. Owing to the operations of the Victorian Licenses Reduction Board, 139 hotels were closed in 1916. involving the payment of £31.158 as compensation, which "was paid by the surviving hotels. To meet the reouirements of the new Victorian licensing law, 250 barmaids have registered themselves.' and identification marks have been recorded to prevent trafficking in certificates.