HC Deb 17 March 1960 vol 619 cc1459-60
16. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many clubs have been raided for breaches of the Licensing Act during the past year in the Metropolitan Police area; in how many oases convictions were obtained; and in how many cases the premises were struck off.

Mr. Renton

During the year 1959, the Metropolitan Police made 165 entries into 144 clubs by virtue of warrants granted by magistrates under the Licensing Act, 1953. As a result of these entries, convictions were obtained in 149 cases: 13 cases have yet to be heard. In 3 cases no proceedings were taken. Sixty-two premises were struck off.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the police have very great difficulty in coping with, and securing convictions against, these undesirable drinking clubs? Is he aware that their efforts to maintain the peace and comfort of people living nearby are frustrated if magistrates do not exercise their powers to disqualify the premises, and that that is the only practical way to deal with the very serious problem of drinking clubs in the London area?

Mr. Renton

The figures I gave show that the police have been not unsuccessful in overcoming those difficulties. Disqualification is entirely a matter for the magistrates and, as my right hon. Friend indicated to the House on 29th January, he has in mind in future legislation to deal with the problem of bogus and undesirable clubs.