INTOXICATING LIQUOR (TEMPORARY RESTRICTION) BILL.

HC Deb 25 August 1914 vol 66 cc25-6

Mr. McKENNA

I beg to move, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable orders to be made in connection with the present War for restricting the sale or consumption of intoxicating liquors."

This Bill is of larger scope and is to enable Orders to be made in connection with the present war for restricting the sale or the consumption of intoxicating liquors. Under the present law the licensing authorities can only restrict the sale of intoxicating liquors if a riot is apprehended. It is proposed to extend that power to all circumstances—that is to say, the local authorities shall have the power to restrict the hours of sale at any time during the war. In London it is proposed that the power should be vested in the Commissioner of Police, who will act under the authority of the Secretary of State.

Mr. HOGGE

Is there any question of the restriction of the maximum hours public-houses may be open?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, the hours may be restricted—that is to say, the licensing authorities may order houses to be closed at an earlier hour than the existing law allows.

Mr. HOGGE

Does that apply to Scotland, which has already had legislation, under the Act of last year, providing for a restricted number of hours?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, the Bill applies to Scotland.

Mr. HORNER

Does it apply to Ireland?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, the same law is to apply to Ireland.

Mr. PETO

May I ask if there is any limit of the power with respect to the hours when houses of refreshment will be closed altogether?

Mr McKENNA

I assume that the licensing authorities would be amenable to local public opinion. I cannot suppose that any local authority would so far exceed its functions as to close public-houses entirely, but that is a matter which is left in their discretion.

Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE

May I ask whether the Bill is going to pass through all its stages to-day?

Mr. McKENNA

No.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. McKenna and Mr. Ellis Griffith. Presented accordingly, and read the first time; to be read a second time To-morrow and to be printed. [Bill 382.]