LICENSING COMMISSIONERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1498, 9 February 1882, Page 3

LICENSING COMMISSIONERS.

In view of the elactions which will take place shortly, the following may be studied with advantage : — "The Licensing Commissioners, who have hitherto performed the duty of regulating the liquor traffic, will disappear, and in their places we shall have Licensing Committees, elected by the ratepayers of the district. Each Committee is to consist of five persons, who may be residents either within or without the district. But there are certain persons who are disqualified from occupying a seat on the Committee, viz., any brewer, wine and spirit merchant, malster, distiller, importer for sale of or dealer in liquors, or in partnership with any such person, or who acts as the agent or auctioneer for such person ; also who is interested in s>uch business, or in any such house, building, or premises as mortgagee or otherwise ; who is the owner in fee or for any less estate of any licensed house; who has been bankrupt or insolvent within four years and has paid less than ten shillings in the pound. General and Local Government Officers are also disqualified. The powers of the Committees ai-e very laige. They are not compelled to issue new licenses, simply because the ratepayers by vote have affirmad that the number in any district may be increased. It is left entirely to their discretion. The mere fact that the requirements of the law as to accomodation and personal fitness have been complied with does not make it imperative on their part to grant an application, "unless, iii their opinion, there is a necessity for the publichouse or other establishment for the sale of intoxicating liquors." Even as regards renewals, a Committee may refuse to grant a certificate if it is proved to their satisfaction that such license is liable to be forfeited under any of the provisions of the Act ; and amongst the valid grounds of objection to the granting of a lenewal is the one that the licensing of the house " is not requited in the neighbourhood," or "that the quiet of the place in which such premises are situated will be disturbed if a license is granted." It will, therefore, be seen that a great deal depends upon the character of the Licensing Committees. The discretionary power placed in their hands is very great. A district that is determined to rid the locality of public-houses lias it practically in its power to do so. The ratepayers can elect men who hold the same views as they themselves do regarding these institutions. They can easily prevent any fresh licenses being granted, and can moreover set about the task of finding objections to renewals. On the other hand there will be districts, no doubt, in which the Committees appointed will be entirely favourable to the interests of the Licensed Victuallers, and resolved to look with the utmost leniency upon breaches of the law on the part of the holders of licenses.