CONDUCT OF HOTELS AND BARS

Southland Times, Issue 23838, 8 June 1939, Page 3

CONDUCT OF HOTELS AND BARS

“TOO MUCH AFTER-HOURS TRADING” (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 7.. “Far too much after-hours’ trading is indicated by the big number of persons convicted, in addition to some licensees, for such an offence in the past year,” said Mr W. R. . Mc K,ean, S.M., chairman of the Auckland Licensing Committee at the annual meeting. , , , „ The police report stated that the conduct of the hotels had been satisfactory for the most part, said Mr McKean, but it. was not at all satisfactory to learn that there had been considerable afterhours’ trading. He was not aware whether licensees were taking any steps to stop such offences, but it did not look as though they were. Referring to the installation of bail and pin machines in many hotel bars, Mr McKean said it had been suggested that the committee might give a ruling in the matter. It might be that the use of the machines could cause licensed premises to be constituted as common gaming houses, and he suggested that proceedings be taken against some licensees, so that if a conviction were entered other licensees, knowing the position, could act accordingly. “It seems to me, from the information I have received in the matter that no skill is required to play any of the machines,” continued Mr McKean. If the machine required skill, the method of game is not one of chance. I find it hard to believe that in the use of these machines any degree of efficiency can be obtained which ma V permit one to become a skilful player. Mr McKean repeated his warning of a year ago concerning the conduct of raffles in many hotel bars. The remarks made previously seemed to have had some effect, but that was wearing off. The committee still regarded the offence as a grave one and licensees were advised to take steps to prevent the practice from starting again.