HOTELKEEPERS’ PARTIES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 24 April 1913, Page 25

HOTELKEEPERS’ PARTIES.

When a licensed Victualler wishes to entertain guests after hours it is always well to give notice to, the police. It saves such a lot of trouble and very often expense, and places the license-holder at his ease. Had Mr. A. J. 'Wightman, landlord of the Harvey Hotel, Dover Road, Folkestone, thus acted (says London L.V. “Gazette” in a recent issue), he would not have been summoned for a breach of the Licensing Act for selling drink on his premises during prohibited. hours, namely between 11 and 12 o’clock on Sunday night. Of course he had to enter into a full explanation. His wife had gone, on a holiday, sb. bed invited some of his. male friends —customers at the house —to join him in a little sing-song after hours. The invitations appear to have been given alt various times during the day, and those who participated had assisted him in a concert be gave some little time ago for the “Poor Children’s Fund.” The friends were invited to the livingroom, and although drink had to be brought from the bar, there was no evidence to show that a drop had been paid for. Mr. G. W. Haines, who appeared for Mr. Wightman, pointed out that it was laid down that the holder of a justices’ license should not be liable to a penalty for supplying intoxicating liquor after hours of closing to private friends bona fide entertained by him at his own expense. In this case they were bona fide friends entertained by defendant at his own expense. The case was dismissed, but the Chairman pointed out that it would have been wise of the defendant if he had given notice to the police, who were quite justified in bringing the case before the Court.