The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-05-18
How the Liquor Problem VIII BE
Solved in England.

How the Liquor Problem VIII BE
Solved in England.
One OF the most noteworthy incidents OF
the present session of the British Parlia-
ment is the introduction Of Licensing bill.
which proposes to settle the long-pend-
ing controversy between liquor sellers
on the one hand and Prohibitionists on the
other. The bill was not only remarkable for
Its intrinsic merits, which were forthwith
| recognized by all parties, but because its
proposer was Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL.
who but recently was supposed to have ex-
tlnguished himself by his denunclation OF
the PARNELL Commission. We may take
for granted that the measure will ultimately
become law substantially in the form de-
ysed by Lord RANDOLPH inasmuch as its
main provisions ELECTED the cordial approval
Of Sir WILLIAM HARCoURT, speaking for
the Opposition, and Of Mr.. R1TCHIE, Presi-
dent of the Local Government Board
The plan of dealing whistle liquor ques-
| ton, which ID now suggested for England
| and Wales, is evidently modelled in part
| upon the Gothenburg system, which has
| been successfully carried out in Sweden
| The fundamental principles Of this system
! are great reduction in the number Of liquor
shops and a corresponding improvement in
the character OF those licensed, provision
that the sale Of food shall be an inseparable
adjunct OF the sale Of liquor, and the delega-
ton Of exclusive authority over licensing to
local authorities. Lord RANDOLPH pro-
poses that every county in England shall be
divided into licensing divisions for each Of
n ttaao ~ ba ptIrN
will be appointed annually to act as licens-.
ing commission. Their power as to the sup
preston Of licenses and the selection OF IL
censees will be absolute and final. The bill
itself, however, suppresses the most numer-
GUS class Of licensed houses. We should
point out that there are at present three i'm
portant classes OF licenses for the sale Of
liquor to be drunk on the premises. These
are the publican's or spirit retailers Ii
cense, which authorizes the sale Of all
liquors, whether distilled or fermented;
the beer house license; and the wine liz
cense. taken out by the keeper Of a hotel or
eating house. 1t is the innumerable beer
houses which Lord RANDOLPH would
destroy at blow. It is true that any
person now holding beer house license
may apply for publcan's license; but, as
this would imply the possession Of larger
capital. an improvement in the character Of
the house and quality OF the beverages sold
could he relied upon. The licensing COM
mission will be authorized not only to deter
mine how many licenses shall be issued in
given division, but to regulate the hours Of
opening and closing and the structure Of IL
censed houses.
A feature OF this bill, which has, SO far as
we know, no analogue in the liquor legisla-
ton OF the United States is the provision
for compromising the present holders of
licenses, who through tho operation OF the
proposed law would fail to get their licenses
renewed. This provision will be vehemently
opposed by the English Prohibitionists. but
1t is certain, on tho other hand. to be sup
ported by majority OF both political par
ties, though there will, no doubt. be differ
ence of opinion regarding the principle on
which the amount OF compensation is to be
ascertained. The Prohlbitionistsi in England
argue, as they do here, that license holders.
having been engaged in an iniquitous and
unwhocsome calling have no claim to be in
IDENTIFIED for the loss Of their business. The |
prevailing view In England, however, Is that |
their business having been authorized by |
law. sati SIZES the definition OF legitimacy;
and that every lawful trader, sup
pressed not rs a criminal but for the
general advantage, Is entitled to compensa- !
ton. The convictions OF the majority of |
EnRlIshmen are expressed by the Spectator, |
which says that to continue q right |
OF selling drink in tho case OF one |
man, and then to shut up his rival |
without naturalization, would be sheer |
robbery. 1t is. no doubt. possible that |
the Willingness Of both Liberals and Tories |
to sanction scheme Of compensation Is |
prompted by political as we'll as ethical mo-
lives II all the beer houses, which are noto-
r!ouSly the poor mems clubs. were to be- |
closed without indemnifying tho owners,
IL might go hard at tho next election with |
the candidates OF tho party chiefly respon-
siblo for the act. As it is, it is expected that
the crusade against the beer houses will be
denounced on the score Of discrimination
against the working people. To take the edge |
off of this objection Lord RANDOLPH pro-
poses to levy so heavy tax in the shape Of
licenses upon all clubs that some of the
larger London establishments will have to
pay as much as $40 900 II year apiece.
One other feature Of Lord RANDoLPH's
bill deserves attention, because it embodies
the principle Of local option. His measure
provides that the power OF the licensing
commission to grant licenses may be eus-
pended In any parish, II twO-thIrds OF the
shall vote to that effect, The
resolution NAV be rescinded after tho eX-
piration of a year, If two-thirds vote for such
resembling; otherwise the suspension re-
mains in force for three years. This con-
cession to tho local option programme will.
OF course. be eagerly welcomed by the Pro-
hlpitionists but there ID little chance OF itR.l