LICENSING LAWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 7, 6 December 1926, Page 7

LICENSING LAWS.

cIQUOR SOLD AFTER HOURS

LICENSEE FINED £lO.

Before Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court this morning, Herbert D. Norris, licensee of the Central Hotel, was charged that, on-October 16, he did sell liquor at a time when, by law, his premises were required to be closed, and that he did open such premises for the sale of liquor. Defendant, who was represented by Mr Ongley, pleaded not guilty. Senior-Sergeant O’Grady conducted the case on behalf of the police. In evidence, Constable Beaton stated that, at about 10.50 p.m. on the day in question, he had found four men on the premises apparently being served with liquor by the licensee, who had a tray holding four glasses—two of beer and two of whisky—in his hand One of the men was not a boarder, and he had in his possession a Quantity of beer apparently to take away. The licensee had asked witness whether he intended to make a case of the matter, and he had replied affirmatively. The man who had not been a boarder had since been convicted for having been on the preThis concluded the case for the police whereupon Mr Ongley submitted that there was no proof of the sale or the consumption of any liquor. On oath, defendant stated that he knew 'Forbes,- the man referred to by tbe police witness, and had booked him up as a boarder at about two o’clock on the afternoon of the day of Constable Beaton’s visit Forbes had actually stayed the night. Corroborative evidence was giyen by James A. Sharp, brother-in-law ° f ‘‘i e have an not the least doubt that Forbes was not a boarder at the time of the constable’s visit,” stated His Worship in imposing a .:ne of £lO, with costs 7s, on the charge of selling liquor, and entering a conviction on the other charge. Licensees lvill have to learn that they nave to keep, the law Too much after-hours drinkin| goes on. if all reports are true.”