BREACHES OF THE LICENSING ACT

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1974, 22 June 1880, Page 3

BREACHES OF THE LICENSING ACT

Yesterday afternoon at the B.M. Court Edwin Cookson, proprietor of tho Oommercial Hotel was summoned for having, oh the 26th May, at 11.30 p.m., prohibited hours, allowed liquors to be sold in his licensed house. Inspector O'Donnell stated thut the witnesses for the prosecution had cleared out, and the case vras dismissed. Joseph Oram Sheppard, proprietor of tho White Hart Hotel, was summoned for having, at half-past three on the morning of tho 6th June, allowed gambling in his licensed house, also with trading on Sunday, and further with obstructing Sergeant Hughes in the execution of his duty. The evidence of Sergeant Hughes was to the effect that on the morning in question he heard voices in the bar, and on looking through the window saw throo men throwing dice, and the barman wiping glasses. On endeavoring to gain admittance the night watchman would not let him in for five minutes, during which time the three men hid in the yard, where they were afterwards discovered. Mr Thomas for the defence admitted the offences charged, but contended that they were against the knowledge and distinct instructions of the proprietor. Defendant and the night watchman both gave evidence in support of this. The Court dismissed the case, holding that the charge of obstruction should have been preferred against McKenna, the barman. George Beatty, of the Palace Hotel, was charged with selling liquor on Sunday. Mr Thomas, who appeared for accused, admitted the offence, explaining that the barman bad Bold some beer to a neighbor in the absence of the proprietor. He was dismissed for disobedience of orders, and gave information to the police out of spite. A penalty of £5 and costs was inflicted. James W. Morton was summoned for permitting gambling in his hotel. Mr Thomas, for the defence, said that the gambling was confined to throwing dice for drinks on the principle of Is in. A fine of £lO and costs was inflicted.