LIQUOR CONTROL.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 1 August 1917, Page 5

LIQUOR CONTROL.

EFFICIENCY BOARD REPORT. REDUCED STRENGTH OF SPIRITS. WELLINGTON. July 31. Regarding the question of the curtailment of the liquor traffic during the war it is understood that the National Efficiency oßard has made recommendations, including the following:— “The Board is of opinion that it would benefit the people of the Dominion during the war period to prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of wine, beer, and spirits. “The Board recognises that the question of national prohibition should be submitted to a vote of the people, and recommends, accordingly, the passage of legislation providing for submission of this issue at the earliest possible moment on the basis of immediate prohibition, accompanied by reasonable compensation to interests affected.”

It is understood that 'the basis of compensation will be the difference between the present value of licensed houses as such, and their value as ordinary properties.

“The Board further recommends legislation limiting the hours of sale of liquor and the observance of public holidays by the trade, “All alcoholic liquors retailed should be sold solely for consumption on the premises, with heavy penalties for removal of liquor except in fulfilment of wholesale orders.” The Board also recommends a minimum wholesale quantity that can be purchased, and that records should be kept of deliveries, both to private persons an to licensed premises, with the imposition of penalties on anyone taking liquor into any place of business. The Board suggests the abolition of packet and conditional licenses, and reduction of the strength of spirits.