THE LIQUOR LAWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1922, Page 5

THE LIQUOR LAWS.

DRINKS FOR BOARDER’S GUESTS. A PUBLICAN’S LIABILITY. The liability of a publican for the supply of liquor to boarders for their guests was the point of an interesting case at the Magistrate’s Court at Waitara yesterday. Frederick Locke, licensee of the Waitara Hotel, was charged with supplying liquor to the guests of boarders after hours and opening for sale. Senior-Sergeant McCrorie appeared for the police, and Mr. Freeman appeared for the licensee. The facts were that boarders invited their friends into the hotel to entertain them, and invited them to drink. Drinks were supplied to the boarders, who paid for them, and in turn supplied them to their guests. The question for the Court to de cide was whether the licensee committed a breach under these circumstances. Mr. Freeman, for the defence, contended, inter alia, that the supply to a boarder was lawful. He could obtain liquor at any time. How, therefore, could a subsequent disposal of such liquor by a hoarder to his guest render the publican liable? Once there was a lawful supply, it was not possible to render that supply unlawful by the act of a third party. Numerous authorities were submitted in support. The Magistrate, in giving judgment, said that the numerous authorities cited and the arguments put forth by counsel, did not alter his view of the licensing law as he understood it. He had previously held that the guests were not bona fide, therefore the licensee must be convicted. He fined him £2 and 7s costs on the charge of opening, and convicted and discharged him on the other charge. Security on appeal was fixed at £lO IDs.