LIQUOR LAW IN N.S.W.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31109, 12 July 1966, Page 6

LIQUOR LAW IN N.S.W.

Proposals For Reform (Special Crspdt. NZPA) SYDNEY, July 11. The New South Wales Cabinet has approved one of the most sweeping series of amendments to the liquor laws in the State’s history. The proposed liberalising amendments affect hotels, restaurants, theatres, clubs and night clubs. Basically the work of the Minister of Justice, Mr J. C. Maddison, they are intended to be submitted to State Parliament in the Budget session, beginning on August It is still too early to assess whether they will receive the full support of Government, Independent and Labour members of Parliament. The proposed amendments will: Allow wine and spirit merchants to sell single bottles of wine and spirits, but not of beer. At present they are confined to selling liquor by the dozen bottles. Allow the sale of liquor in licensed public halls, at receptions, conventions and dinners, and at balls for charity or non-proprietary causes. Allow the issue of cabaret licences to night-clubs for the sale of liquor with food and entertainment until 3 a.m. Allow hotels to obtain permits to sell liquor with food and entertainment until 3 a.m. Permit high-class licensed restaurants to establish cocktail bars or other reception areas for the sale of liquor by the glass to bona-fide diners. Permit the sale of liquor at “ live” theatres at specified times in areas not accessible to the general public. Reduce from 21 to 20 the age at which a person may become a member of a registered club. Remove the need for clubs to use bar shutters outside normal trading hours. Give the Chief Secretary power to prohibit undesirable performances or entertainments on licensed premises. Make persons under 18 years of age found on licensed premises guilty of an offence. The cabinet has been considering the proposals since February. In the face of strong public and church opposition, it decided to defer indefinitely a recommendation that hotels should be allowed to trade on Sundays.