THE LICENSING ACT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11483, 16 January 1903, Page 3

THE LICENSING ACT.

CASES AT DUNEDIN.

(srECiAi to "the thess.")

DUNEDIN, January 15.

The firifc case of an infringement under the Licensing Act since the carrying of reduction in the town and suburbs was decided to-day, when the licensee of the Hotel Metrqpole, at St. Clair, was fined £3 and costs for Sunday trading, and had her license endorsed. It is a serious matter for the licensee in view of the reduction vote. The hotel in question, like the ones at Sumner and New Brighton, is greatly patronised by town folk on Sundays, and on Sunday, the 7th December last, two men, who hat! slept within the three-mile radius, visited the hotel, and wero supplied with liquor. The only question asked of the men, who were strangers, wa/s whether they wesie travellers, to which they replied in the affirmative. For the defence it was sworn that the practice was to ask persons whether they wero travellers, and where they slept the night before. The Magistrate preferred to believe the witnesses for the prosecution, saying he was not satisfied that the defendant or barmaid truly believed the men were travellers, and that no reasonable precautions were taken to ascertain whether or not they were entitled to refreshments.

Patrick O'Brien and Maiy O'Brien, board-inghouse-kocpers, were charged a£ the Court to-day with selling beer without a license. The case for tihe prosecution was thai three or four sailors- visited the place, and were served with drinks, which were paid for. The Magistrate was not satisfied with the evidence for the prosecution, and dismissed the case.

Another charge against the defendants will be 'heard to-morrow.