SALE OF WINE AND SPIRITS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23970, 10 June 1943, Page 6

SALE OF WINE AND SPIRITS

RENEWAL OF LICENCE REFUSED APPLICATION BY AUCKLAND WHOLESALE FIRM (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 9. Reference to the sale of spirits to slygroggers by some wholesale firms was made by the chairman (Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M.) on behalf of the Auckland Licensing Committee, at the committee’s annual meeting. A sensation was caused when the committee refused to grant a renewal of its licence to the firm of A. A. Corban and Sons, Ltd., wine and spirit merchants, of Fort street. The committee adjourned the application for six months, which means that the firm will be unable to operate on its licence for that period. Before dealing with applications for renewals of wholesale licences. Mr Luxford said the committee had evidence—it was not referring to all wholesalers in Auckland —in regard to the sale of spirits to slygroggers which had been facilitated by the failure of some wholesalers to fulfil their duty in terms of the licence granted to them.

“We know that high prices have tempted some to sell liquor to slygroggers,’’ added Mr Luxford. “Wholesalers have the same obligations as retailers. It is unfortunate that the high prices that can be got have affected them, and caused them to fail to carry out their duty. The committee feels very strongly about the matter.” When Mr A. Corban, jun.. appeared in support of his firm’s application for a renewal of its wholesale licence, Mr Luxford referred to the police report, which drew attention to a conviction recorded against the firm on March 12 last. The police report alleged that Information had been received that the firm had been selling liquor in quantities not authorised by its licence. As a result of a visit by two women constables to thr firm’s premises in Fort street, they purchased a bottle of sherry. The actual sale of a bottle of whisky was transacted by a woman employed by the firm. She had the firm’s authority to sell liquor, the report stated. Arising out of the transaction, the firm was convicted and fined £SO. “Now, in view of that report, do you say that your firm is a fit and proper firm to hold a wholesale licence?” asked Mr Luxford. Mr Corban: The' sale was made unwittingly, and the firm has been adequately punished, sir. I would point out that my firm has had a very long, clean record. It was pointed out by the chairman that a firm could only be fined, whereas an individual could be sent to prison. "In any case, a girl would not fix the price for a bottle of whisky at £3 without instructions, would she?” asked Mr Luxford. Mr Corban replied that as spirits were scarce, the practice of the firm was to supply only for essential purposes. , . Mr Luxford then announced that the committee had decided to adjourn the application for six months. Mr Corban: Excuse me, sir; but what does that mean? “It means that you will be without a wholesale licence for six months, and that you cannot operate upon it during that time,” replied Mr Luxford. Mr Corban then stated that owing to illness his firm’s solicitor was unable to appear before the committee to-day. Mr Corban said the solicitor would no doubt have conducted the matter much better, and ha asked whether the committee would amend its decision and adjourn the application until the solicitor could be preMr Luxford: No. The committee will not do that. You are lucky, indeed, that the application is merely adjourned. Some of the members wanted the licence to be cancelled. I hope this will be a warning to other wholesalers.