§ MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN (Kent, Faversham)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether, under the Licensing Clauses of the Local Government Bill, compensation will be granted in the case of non-renewal of off-licences; and, whether the renewal of such licences will be refused for any other reason than those for which they can now be refused by the present authorities?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)The power to refuse renewal of a licence applies to all intoxicating liquor licences. Any person feeling aggrieved by the refusal to renew may make a claim for compensation.
§ MR. CRAIG (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)Does that apply to off-licenses?
§ MR. RITCHIEYes.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)asked, whether a certain class of beer dealers' licences dealt with by the Act passed by the right hon. Gentleman himself some years ago were not subject to refusal by the licensing Magistrates in their districts, and without any compensation?
§ MR. RITCHIEThe Bill expressly provides, in so many words, that where a claim for compensation is put in with reference to the licences referred to by my hon. Friend, the provisions of the Act to which he refers shall be fully considered.