"REFORMING THE TRADE."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 291, 3 December 1908, Page 4

"REFORMING THE TRADE."

SUGGESTIONS FROM CUBISTUHUKUH. Ever since the people's recent verdict about the J itjiior trallie was announced, various critics have hinted that tne "trade" would suit its interests best by "reform from within." One of tli.se advisers, "Kefonu," has given a set of suggestions to the Lvttelton Times. If those interested in the liquor trade are wise, writes the correspondent, tliey will take prompt steps to accede to and assist in tlie purification and revolutionising of the said trade, which 1 believe can be well, efficiently, and honestly done in the following manner:— (1) Allow no barmaids, not engaged and constantly employed as such previously to some date to be fixed by Act of Parliament, to lie engaged or employed ia that capacity. (2) All barmaids engaged as such previous to the above-mentioned date, ami at that time actively employed in that capacity, to be required to imincdialely register their names at the local police court, and to have twelve months in which to procure other employment, at the expiration of which term they must all cease to act in the capacity of barmaids.

(3) With a view to stop loafing anil repeated drinking, all bars to be on the ground lloor and to face oil to tin; public street, and lo have plain niid clear plate-glass fronts from w.Til to wall, and from lloor to ceiling, and no screens or other things to impede or obstruct the view of persons in i.ue street to be allowed. Do not close tlie open bars, but expose them to public view.

(4) The only entrance to the bar to be from tlie street. No pipe or a;iv means of passing liquor through the wall connecting the hotel with"'the liar to be allowed, and a severe penalty enforced for any infraction of this rule. (5) All liquor to be watered or broken down as necessary for the purpose of sale under the supervision of a Customs oificer, each bottle or cask to be duly stamped by him, said stamp to b« defaced by the person who opens the .bottle or cask, etc. The placing of liquors in bottle, etc., bearing the labels or brands not belonging to same to be severely punishable.

(0) Whenever it is proved that intoxicating drink has been supplied to a drunken person, the barman, the licensee and the drunken person to be each heavily fined and the license to be endorsed. At the third offence the licensee to be prohibited from holding a license, or living in any hotel licensed by his wife or any of ilis family or holding any interest in any hotel in which lie resides. The license of the hotel-to be cancelled at the offence. (7) That it be illegal to supply more than one drink to any persons, unless they have in the meantime left the premises and been absent therefrom fully half an hour, (8) That it be a criminal offence to supply any person under the age of twenty-one with intoxicating liquor.