LICENSING MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7724, 28 January 1905, Page 2

LICENSING MATTERS.

OFFICIAL VII2WS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 27. The law otlicers of the Crown have submitted to the tloverniuent their opinions on (1) section 42 of the Licensing Act Amendment Act of last session dealing with persons found on licensed premises during prohibited hours ; (2) as to closing of licensed premises und the true legal meaning thereof as expressed in the bill ; nnd (3) in respect to the inspection and closing of clubs during prohibited hours. As to the first, they say thu powers conferred are so wide that they should be exrcised with| discretion nnd intelligence. The section corresponds with the section in force in England for 33 years', and the question is purely one of administration. Hie police should not take proceedings merely [because a person is found on licensed premises, but prosecute only whon, after inquiry, they have reason to believe a person Is there in Contravention of the Licensing Aeti. In regard to tho second question, the opinion Is given that licensed premises are closed within tho meaning of the Licensing Act if closed for sale of liquor. His also considered that whilst the liquor-selling portion of premises tiro so closed any person, ns, for instance, a bona tide traveller, may lawfully be supplied with food and liquid refreshments other than Intoxicating liquor. The exception as to liquor does not apply to a lodger under sub-sect ion 0 section 22, of the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Act 189r>. Regarding the third question, the Attorney-deneral expressed the opinion that the police merely ns police, have ni> statutory authority to enter and inspect chartered jClubs. The right of entry is given to the inspector of licensed premises, and the right of un inspector of police or a constable to enter is confined to licensed premises, nnd lias no reference or application to chartered clubs. An Inspection of chartered clubs is provided for by section 27 of the act of 1893.