THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 23

THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC

INTERESTING POINT RAISED. GISBORNE, February 19. An interesting point was raised in the ]\4mgistrate's Court to-day, when Margaret Skipwbrth, a local boarding house keeper, was charged with permitting liquor to be consumed on the premises when licensed premises were required by law to be closed. The police gave evidence tluit they raided the boarding house at 2.15 p.m., and found drinking in progress among boarders. Tho police suggested that tho boarding house was a restaurant within the meaning of the Sale of Liquor Restriction Act of last session. The magistrate (Mr Barton) said tho point was a far-reaching one, and reserved his decision. On a further charge of sly grog-selling the defendant was fined £2O, in default six weeks' imprisonment. The evidence disclosed that she purchased 52 dozen quart bottles of beer between December 1 and February 1. ANTI-SHOUTING REGULATIONS. WELLINGTON, February 19. A deputation from the Hotel Workers' Union waited on the Attorney-general in reference to the anti-shouting regulations as thev affected bartenders. The regulations, it was pointed out, carried a maximum penalty of £IOO, and prevented subsequent employment on licensed premises. The regulations also threw the onus of proof on the defendant. " Tho deputation asked that the maximum penalty be reduced to £lO and that the disqualification provision be struck out. Sir H. D. Bell, in reply, said he could only nromiso that ho would consider the matter, and if he were satisfied fchat there was cause for tho statement that the regulations were unduly harsh he would bring the matter before Cabinet, with a recommendation for mitigation.