LICENSING LAWS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2578, 29 July 1922, Page 5

LICENSING LAWS

REPORT OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE IMPORTANT PROPOSALS The report of the Parliamentary Licensing Committee was laid on the table of the House of Representatives on Thursday. Following are some of the most important recommendations of the Committee: — That no more licenses are required in the Dominion. It is, however, necessary that there should be a redistribution of licenses more in accordance with the needs of population in various districts. Before the licensing committee consents to any redistribution the consent of a substantial portion of the inhabitants in the vicinity should be obtained.

That the system of a flat rate of licensing fee be abolished and licensing fees be based on the percentage of liquor sold in licensed premises. That local authorities should receive the amount of license fee 3 as at present, but all increased fees be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

That if national prohibition is not carried at the next licensing poll the people of the King Country , should be given the opportunity of voting .as to whether they desire license or not, the poll to be taken on the lines laid down in the Licensing Act. That in order to avoid trafficking in licenses transfers should not be allowed under.three years, except through sickness or death, or other special circumstances.

That with a view to mak.ng it possible for licensees to provide additional accommodation where necessary without risk of personal loss, the Licensing Act should be so amended as to provide that in the event of prohibition being carried at any poll, it should not come into force until four years have elapsed after the date of such poll. That the licensing laws should be so amended as to put restaurants on the same footing as halls or other rooms in regard to the consumption of liquor at social gatherings, provided a permit is first obtained from the police for this purpose.

That no man should act as barman without a license granted by the licensing committee or by the police to such persons as may be thought lit. That all the convictions against a barman should be endorsed on his license. That his license be cancelled after three endorsements. That all barmaids be required to make a statutory declaration before a magistrate that, they are entitled to hold a license under the existing provisions of the law.

That where a conviction for serious breaches of the Licensing Act is obtained the magistrate should be given power to declare the person convicted unfit to hold a publican’s license.

That licensing committees should have power to determine the number of public and private bars in any hotel. That it should be illegal to serve any woman with intoxicating liquor in a bar to which the public have access, or any room opening into such bar. That electoral enrolment bo- compulsory. That the rolls be prepared and printed in polling booth or sub-district areas.

That if national prohibition be carried it be made clear that there is no restriction on the making of liquor containing not more than 3 per cent of alcohol for home consumption. That section 46 of 'the Licensing Amendment Act, 1910, be amended so as to provide for a further poll at stated intervals to enable natives in such districts as have carried the poll under this section to review the position.