DRINKS AT ALL HOURS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 252, 15 June 1932, Page 6

DRINKS AT ALL HOURS

BRITISII "SPEAKEASIES." "Speakeasies," at which aleoholic drinks can be obtained at all hours of the day, are springing up in many parts of Great Britain and are causing serious concern to the police. In many of the "speakeasies' a full betting service is maintained, while ready money bets are accepted up to the advertised time of the race. The "speakeasies" are run under the names of clubs. Admittance can only be obtained by introduction by two or more members, but after that a new member is allowed to do more or less as he pleases. The clubs are so cleverly operated that it is impos- j sible for the police to raid them unless i they have definite information that j such activities are taking place. In ; many cases they are part of business ! premisss withj innocent-looking en- j trances. But the door is loclced, and j every incomer is closely scrutinised j before admittance is obtained. j A strong guard is maintained, and j should anybody not known to them at- \ tempt to enter the "club" he will find j it impossible to pass over the thres- E hold. In many cases prices charged S are little beyond those in the public s house, but in these the proprietors i rely on their other attractions to keep I the profits up to scratch. In the = event of a raid drinks can easily be \ hidden away under the counter, and I those in the club can repair to con- | necting premises. I