LIQUOR CONTROL

Southland Times, Issue 19281, 27 June 1924, Page 10

LIQUOR CONTROL

BISHOP OF OXFORD’S BILL. FAR-REACHING CHANGES PROPOSED. Far-reaching changes in the licensing laws are proposed in the Bill providing for the “popular control” of the liquor trade, introduced in the House of Lords by the Bishop of Oxford, states the Daily Telegraph. In an accompanying memorandum it is explained that the measure gives to the inhabitants of boroughs and counties the right of deciding periodically whether they are to have no change in the conduct of the liquor trade in their area, or whether the trade is to be reorganised, or whether all licenses are to be abolished. Electors, by means of the alternative vote, can vote preferentially in favour of one choice, and alternatively in favour of a second one.

If an area votes for reorganisation a central body, called the Board of Management, appointed with the approval of and dismissible by Parliament, will take over the liquor trade in the area concerned. This board is not to be a licensing authority; its functions are to be limited to the production and distribution of intoxicants in those areas which have voted for reorganisation, subject to the supervision of the justices, and of a central advisory committee (on which temperance bodies and private traders will be represented), and of local advisory councils (consisting of licensing justices and representatives of public authorities). In reorganisation areas it will be the duty of the local advisory councils to notify the Board of Management as to the number of public-houses required in their areas, as to where they are wanted, and as to the number to be closed as redundant. The board will make such structural alterations as may be desired for the supply of food and non-intoxicants, and for the observance of the other conditions laid down. They will not take over hotels or clubs in reorganised areas, but will supervise them in so far as the sale of intoxicants is concerned. A central compensation fund is created. Into this all profits from the reorganised areas will be paid by the Board of Management. It is also proposed to pay into this central fund the trade levy established by the 1904 Licensing Act. This fund will be available for the payment of compensation in areas which vote for no license or reorganisation. It will not be under the control of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. None of the compensation money required will come from the taxpayer, and there is no actual or contingent liability on public funds. Where an area votes for reorganisation the owners of properties acquired will be paid off as to capital by means of annuities, terminable in a maximum period of 15 years. During this period 5 per cent, interest will be paid each year on such part of the capital as has not been redeemed. Compensation for loss of employment —depending on the nature and length of such employment —will be paid.