DRINK SALES LOWER

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2916, 31 October 1916, Page 6

DRINK SALES LOWER

EXCISE FIGURES OE SPIRITS AND BEER. Tho following figures from the Excise returns show an enormous decrease in the sales of spirits, although there is little doubt that the stocks held have been above tho normal:— Spirits Cleared for Home Consumption for the United Kingdom. Proof Gallons. January to June, 1915 18,873,213 January to June, 1916 15.691.0 it April to June 30,1915 8,213,177 April to June 30,1916 4,442,423 Heavy clearances in anticipation of an increase of the duty on snirits were 5i e the date of the "Budget so that large stocks were accumulated in trade hands. This accounts in part for tho abnormally low payments in the quarter, April to Juno. The amount of beer charged for duty has been:— J T '■ T Barrels. January to June, 1915 14,115,000 January to June, 1916 13,777.000 The Liquor Control Board's plans are, being rapidly developed in the Carlisle district. A second model refreshment tavern will shortly be opened, and the board is acquiring the Southend Unionist Uub for this purpose. About a dozen pubhehouses in the citv are now managed under the supervision of the board, and in tho Longtown district of Cumberland the board is also arranging for a model refreshment houso and a State picture .house.

In view of the restrictions on the sale of liquor the National Peonle's Palaces Association (Limited), 1 Arundel Street, Strand, W.C., has helped to inaugurate a non-alcoholic Tmbtichouse in Oxford known as the Three Feathers. It provides cheap bedrooms and baths, while workmen can bring their dinners and obtain refreshments. There are also restrooms for women workers and for country folic who come into the city to do shopping. . The children of the neighbourhood go to tho Three Feathers to buy cake and pudding instead of sweets. During tjhe hot weather women purchase readycooked food and save their fires.. There is a room where 50 young fellov;s spend their evej£ngs in .games of (sheas, draughts, and playing tile piano. Encouraged by its experiments at Oxford and Highbury, the association is arranging to open a third "People's Palace" in the- Euston Road, for which funds have been publicly subscribed. Proposals for further "palaces" will be dealt with as resources permit.