Licensing Committee's Report.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1922, Page 2

Licensing Committee's Report.

[by telegraph—per press association]

WELLINGTON, July 27

The report of the Parliamentary Licensing Committee was laid on the table of the House to-day;

The report stated that the Committee received requests from 42 persons to give evidence, and it heard them.

The Committee resolved, in the event i of national prohibition not being carried at the coming licensing poll, that the Government he recommended to make amendments in the licensing law of which the following are the principal ; No more licenses are required in New Zealand, but there should be a redistribution in accordance with the needs of the population. Flat rate licensing fees should he abolished, anti the fees based on the percentage of liquor sold. No premium ov other valuable consideration sltal be paid for tbe goodwill oil the granting of a transfer or the renewal of licensing lenses, anyone receiving such payment shall be liable to a fine' of £SOO and on a second i offence, the license for the house shall he cancelled. Money so paid shall be recoverable at law. If prohibtion is not carried the people shall be given an opportunity of voting license or no license.

There shall he more effective inspection of liquor and licensed premises, aitd more ample penalties fur adulteration. Special inspectors should he appointed for the purpose t-o- make it possible for licensees to provide additional accommodation without loss.

Wherever prohibition is carried it should not come into force until four years after the poll. Clubs should be allowed to instal the locker system and extend hours on special occasions, providing the consumption of liquor is confined to one room.

Restaurants should he put on the same footing as public halls in regard to consumption of liquor at social gatherings, if a permit is obtained from the police. Barmen should be licensed, and any convictions be endorsed on the license, the latter to be cancelled after three convictions.

It shall lie illegal to serve women in a bar to which the pubhV have access, or in any room opening on such bar.

The enrolment of electors shall be compulsory. If national prohibtion is carried it should Ik* made dear that there is ho restriction on the making of liquor containing not more than three per cent, alcohol for home consumption.