THE PROHIBITION PARTY’S LICENSING BILL.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 85, 17 July 1895, Page 2

THE PROHIBITION PARTY’S LICENSING BILL.

The Bill drafted by the representatives of the different temperance societies of the Colony, and introduced into the House by Mr MciVab, has been circulated amongst members. Section 14 to 20 of the Bill of last year, dealing with increase and renewals of licenses, are repealed, and subsection 5, section 81 of the Act of 1881, providing that* objections may be taken to the renewal of a license where the licensing thereof is not required in the neighbourhood, or that the quiet of the place in which such premises are situate will be disturbed if a license is granted, ’ is revived. Section 71 of the Licensing Act of 1881 is amended so that the whole com - mittee, and not only the chairman, must decide on the granting of packet and wholesale licenses. These wholesale licenses, which in the past allowed the holders to sell liquors in quantities of not less than two gallons,, ana under this Bill to make the minimum quantity 10 gallons, and a priviso is added to the effect that no wholesale license shall authorise the sale of liquors in a district that has declared for “no license.” From January Ist 1 897, no bottle, New Zealand wine, packet or conditional licenses are to bo granted, and after the expiry of any leases now in force for refreshment rooms no license shall be granted. Subsection 3of section 27 of last year’s Act is amended so that no charter shall be issued for a club in any district that has declared for no license, thus taking away the optional power previously allowed the Colonial Secretary. The local and colonial option polls are to be taken every three years and on the same day as the general election, the second Wednesday in April being fixed as the most suitable date. Such elections are to be decided by bare majorities, and the question to be put to the electors is merely license or no license. In the case of local prohibition being carried no licenses or renewals are to be granted after the 30th Juno following the taking of the poll. The effect of the Colonial Prohibition vote being carried is given in clause 19 as follows. — “ From and after the 31st day of March ensuing next after the day (in April) on which such poll was taken, it shall be unlawful to grant or renew any license or any club charter in the Colony; and all licenses and club charters and railway refreshment-room licenses in force on that day shall continue in force until the 30th day of June next ensuing, and shall then cease and determine.” After the 31st March mentioned the Commissioner of Customs is to bo the only person permitted to import liquor into the Colony, and. he may only sell it under stringent conditions for medicinal purposes or for use in the arts and manufactures. The Bill contains 21 clauses.—N.Z. Times,