LOCAL OPTION LICENSING BILL.

Evening Star, Issue 4166, 4 July 1876, Page 2

LOCAL OPTION LICENSING BILL.

The following is an abstract of the Bill introduced into the House of Representatives by Mr Stout:—

The preamble sets out that it is advisable to give the publio greater control in the licensing* of persons to sell alcoholic and spirituous liquors. second is the interpretation clause, the only quotation from which that is necessary is the provision that the word «■* mayor n shall include the Chairman of a Road Board or a Highway Board, or anv other presidine officer, at meetings of the*§overning body. Clause 3 provides that.oa.the 31st March next year, and every succeeding third year, the Clerk of "every governing body shall prepare a list of ratepayers within the licensing district." Clause 4 requires that that list shall be signed by the Clerk and countersigned by the Mayor before the 7th April Should the licensing district comprise portions of more than one municipality, road, or high way district, , separate lists are to be prepared for the several divisions.

Clause 5 provides that no person shall have more votes than is allowed by one qualification, although he may possess more than one.

Clause 6 renders neglect of complying with the provisions of the Act by the Mayor or Licensing Clerk punishable by a penalty of fifty pounds, recoverable by summary process under the Justices of the Peace Act, 1856.

Clause 7 provides that, although the rates struck by the governing body may be quashed or set aside, the lists shall be proceeded wjth.

Clause 8 repeats the provision that voters' lists must be signed by the Clerk. Clause 9 provides that on the Ist May, 1877, and subsequently on the same date every third year, the Licensing Clerk shall by ballot take the votes of those on the list in the f oral prescribed by the schedule :

vera papeb. The Licensing District of [Here specify district] Vote Paper. For license. Against license. Any one desirous that licenses shall he granted will strike out the words " Against license," and any one desirous that licenses Bhall not he granted shall strike out the words " For license."

Clause 10 provides that polling places shall be appointed, and the poll to commence at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Clause 11 applies sections 41 and 47 to 51 of the Regulation of Elections Act to the votes under the Act.

Clause 12 provides for ascertaining the number of votes.

Clause 13 prohibits as unlawful granting any license or renewal by the Licensing Court for the sale of intoxicating liquors, should a majority have voted "against license."

Clause 14 requires the Act to be read as part of the Licensing Act 1873 and its amendments.