DRINK AT DANCES

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 9

DRINK AT DANCES

IMPROVED POSITION ALMOST TOTAL ABSENCE EFFECT OF NEW REGULATIONS “ There has been almost a total absence of drink at country dances attended by police constables since the regulations were made,” said Inspector C. W. Lopdell, of Hamilton, commenting this morning on the effect of the recent Statutes Amendment Act (amending the Police Offences Act). “ The position has reverted to what it was many years ago, when dances were enjoyed without liquor. That the regulations were badly needed was manifest from the evil effect which drink had on those attending dances, including motorists travelling to and from the halls. It is pleasing to note the improvement which has been made.” Powers of Police Although no definite distance from the hall was stated other than “in the vicinity of a dance hall,” it was understood to mean that the police had power to investigate the comings and goings of dance patrons to vehicles parked within a distance of the function. In effect, a person was debarred from drinking at a dance, in a car parked near a dance, having liquor in his possession, even if he had not been drinking, or leaving a dance to make use of a source of supply anywhere in the vicinity. Included among the wide powers given to the police was the right to search any vehicle concerning which their suspicions were aroused. “ This section is not intended to apply to private dances, such as those given on the occasion of a wedding, birthday, or coming-of-age dance, providing that no charge is made for admission to the party or dance hall,” added the inspector. Penalties on Conviction The provisions of the new amendments are as follows: (1) Every person who, having control or management of any dance being held in any hall, supplies intoxicating liquor to any person in the hall, or permits liquor to be taken or consumed in the hall, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of £2O. (2) Every person who, while a dance is being held in any hall, drinks any intoxicating liquor in the hall, or has any liquor in his possession or control in the hall or in the vicinity of the hall, or supplies liquor to any person in the hall commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of £lO. (3) Liquor shall be deemed to be in the vicinity of a hall wherein a dance is being held if it is shown that the liquor was in the possession or control of any person attending or proceeding to attend the dance, or was consumed or intended for the consumption of any person so attending. (4) Any constable who has reason to suspect that there is any breach by any person of the provision of this section in or in the vicinity of a hall where a dance is being held may without warrant enter the hall, or any place in the vicinity thereof, examine same and search for intoxicating liquor therein and may seize and remove any liquor found therein and the vessels containing the liquor. Any liquor so seized in respect of which any person is convicted of an offence under this section, together with the vessels containing the liquor, shall be forfeited to the Crown. Definition of “ Hall ” (5) Nothing in this section shall apply in relation to any liquor in any licensed premises or in any dwelling house. “ Hall ” means any building where any public dance is held or where any dance is held to which admission is obtained on the payment of subscriptions, either in money or by way of supplying refreshment, and whether on general or individual invitation, or otherwise.