§ 79. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent decision in the King's Bench Divisional Court that, as licensed premises cease to be licensed after closing hours, a lodger cannot be charged with an offence if found intoxicated on the premises after the time of closing; whether his attention has also been called to a judgment given the other day to the effect-that, it is an offence for a landlord to serve a friend with drink on licensed premises after closing hours, notwithstanding that the friend had come to pay an ordinary visit; and will he take steps to have the-Licensing Law amended so as to deal with such cases?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen a report of the first case mentioned, but I find that the Court, far from holding that licensed premises ceased to be licensed premises after closing hours, definitely stated that that view was wrong. I have not been able to find the second case, but it does not appear to be necessarily in conflict with the first. The Court in the first case indicated its view that the law should be strengthened, and that the enactment as to drunkenness on licensed premises, should apply to a lodger. I have noted this, but I fear that the present is not an opportune time for legislation on the point.