LIQUOR TRAFFIC AND THE WAR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14363, 31 July 1917, Page 4

LIQUOR TRAFFIC AND THE WAR.

EFFICIENCY BOARD'S . RECOMr

MENDATIONS

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

Regarding the question of the curtail- j ment of liquor traffic during the war, it is understood tho National Efficiency Board made recommendations including the following :— The Board is of the opinion that it would benefit the people of the Dominion during the war period to prohibit the importation, manuf ac-j ture. and sale of wine, beer, and spirits. The Board ..recognised that the question I of national prohibition should be submitted to a; vote 'of the people and recommends accordingly the passage of legislation providing for the submission of this issue at the earliest possible moment on the. basis of the immediate prosecution, accompanied by reasonable compensation to the interests affected. It is understood the basis of cdmpeli'sa"-"' tion would be the difference between tlie prasent value of the licensed houses as such and the value as ordinary properties.

The Board further recommends legislation limiting the hours of sale and observance of- publio holidays by the trade. AU alcoholic liquors retailed should be sold solely for consumption on the premises, with heavy penalties for the [removal of liquor eicept m fulfilment 'of wholesale orders.

The Board also recommends the minimum wholesale quantity that can be purchased, 1 and; that records should be kept of delivery, both to private persons and to ..licensed premises, with the imposition of a penalty on anyone taking liquor into any place of business. The Board suggests the abolition of packet and conditional licenses and a reduction of the strength of spirits.