THE LIQUOR TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1923, Page 2

THE LIQUOR TRADE.

THE NEW PROPOSALS. [by telegraph—run muss association.] WELLINGTON, May 31. The sittings have concluded here of the Conference of delegates of the Anglican Synod (Auckland), the Associated Clubs, Moderate League, and the Licensed Trade of Now Zealand,.a summary of whose scheme for the reform of tiie liquor trade was telegraphed yesterday. It was decided to form a body known as the New Zealand Licensing Reform Association to carry into effect the proposals agreed to by the Conference. pending legislation or a referendum. The proposals are to he made tbe subject for immediate presentation to Parliament and include State supervision and manufacture, the adoption of a Government standard of liquor, licensing of barmen, the abolition of licensing committees, and the appointment of a permanent licensing body comprising three Stipendiary Magistrates for each district. DECISIONS ABBIVED AT. WELLINGTON, May 31. Among* the decisions arrived at by the Liquor Conference were the following: That a special department, or a branch of the existing department, be charged with tbe duty of supervising the manufacture, importation and sale of alcoholic liquors, and all matters in connection with the laws relating thereto; that an order bo made to prevent trafficking in licenses; transfers tut to be allowed under three years, except through sicknss, death or other special circumstances; that penalties for allowing drunkenness on the premises, for illegal trading and other abuses of the law he more strictly enforced ; licensees to he at all times personally responsible for the acts of servants. Where a conviction for a serious breach of the law is obtained, the Magistrate to be given power to declare a person convicted ns unfit to hold a publican’s license, subject to the right of appeal to the Supremo Court. ’I hat with a view to lessening the consumption of spirits, legislation he promoted providing for the establishing of the cafe scheme for the sale of light wines and beer only; that there be a redistribution of redundant liconss from one district to another in accordance with the needs of the public; that no extension of hours for the sale of liquor in chartered clubs be allowed, but a provision be made for the adoption by members of the locker system, and for the extension of hours under special circumstances; that the licensing law ho so amended as to put licensed premises and restaurants on the same footing as halls and other rooms in regard to the consumption of liquor at social gatherings, provided a permit is first obtained from the police.