Semi-Dry

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 547, 27 December 1928, Page 2

Semi-Dry

Liquor at Canberra CONTROL MEASURES ADOPTED Shortly the restriction, on the saie of liquor in the capital territory will be removed, and liquor, will be on sale at various hotels in Canberra. The Prime Minister, Mr. Bruce, has announced that an ordinance would be published in the Commonwealth Gazette making temporary provision for the sale of liquor, and effect would be given to the ordinance as early as possible. Under this ordinance the present prohibition against the issuing of a license for the sale of liquor in the Federal Capital territory would be retained, hut the ordinance would give power to the Federal Capital Commission to “sell liquor in such premises as the Minister approves by notice published in the Gazette.”

While this temporary ordinance was in force the provisions of the liquor laws of New South Wales would apply to the Federal Capital territory. The hours of trading in Canberra would, however, be from 9 o’clock In the morning until 6 o’clock in the evening, instead of from 6 o’clock in the morning until 6 in the evening, as in New South Wales.

Mr. Bruce made it quite clear that the ordinance giving control of the sale of liquor to the Federal Capital Commission would remain in force only until permanent provision for carrying on the trade had been made. He declined •to give any indication as to the policy that would be adopted in the permanent ordinance, but it is certain that it will provide for the issue of licences to private individuals or companies, the result of the referendum taken in September having been that a majority of the residents favoured the licensing system, rather than sale under public control. When the permanent ordinance is put into force applications will, it is understood, be called for the leasing of the hotels at present conducted by the Commission.

Mr. Bruce said that the Government of Victoria had agreed to allow Mr. R. Barr, chairman of the Licensing Board in Victoria, to visit Canbex'ra and advise the Federal Government regarding the framing of the permanent ordinance, and the practical steps to be taken to put it into force. He was hopeful that the permanent ordinance would be put into force at about the beginning of the new year. It is the intention of the Government to have all liquor served at tables in lounge-rooms. The ordinary type of liquor bars will not be erected at any of the hotels.