New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-22
NEW RAINES LAW NOT ENFORCED.
CHIEF coNLIN WAITING FOR A CERTI-
FLED COPY.
WARNING NOTICES. HOWEVER, POSTED IN ALL
NIGHT RESTAURANTS - MUCH GRUMBLiNG

WARNING NOTICES HOWEVER, POSTED IN ALL
NIGHT RESTAURANTS - MUCH GRUMBLrNG
OVER THE FREE LUNCH CLAUSES
The amendments to the Raines law went into
effect on Tuesday when the bill was signed but as
yet little consideration appears to have been given
to the new provisions either by license holders or
by the excise and public authorities The fact that
the law was to go into effect Immediately has
largely been lost sight of, and those whose
business is directly affected by the new measure
have not given much heed to it. Many hotel and
saloon keepers who yesterday were not
even that the bill had been signed, and
fewer still had knowledge that IL went into effect
al once. Colonel Lyman, the State Excise Com
missioner yesterday telegraphed to all the deputy
commissioners and county treasurers, however, in
structng them that the new law was in operation
ard must be enforced
Few Raines law hotels. It is asserted, can comply
with the requirements Of the amended law without
extensive and costly alterations. Only the build
ings that have been recently erected have the fire.
proof qualities and other Improvements demanded
by the new measure, and 1t Is certain that II the
law is strictly enforced a large number OF these
hotels will be transformed into saloons, or will
necessarily be closed. Deputy State Excise Com
missioner George F. billiard said yesterday that
he would await the receipt of specific instructions
from Albany before proceeding TO enforce the law.
He added that the prospect Of the passage Of the
measure had not deferred hotel-keepers from re-
moving their licenses. But Of the total number OF
licenses issued last year, amounting to 100, he
said the holders Of $3.50 had applied for renewals
and there yet ten more days in which applica-
lions could be received.
Chief Of Police Conlin said that he would enforce
the new provisions of the Raines law amendments
as he received a certified copy OF the
amendments He added II have sent for a certi-
fed copy of the amendments to the law, and
/ I will nA
provisions, and will then issue orders to tho
Department To enforce the law II stands. am
not yet familiar with the new requirements, and II
may be that shall have to consult with the Cor
poration Counsel about them" The Chief said he
could not say at present whether it would be the
duty of the Building Department inspectors or Of
tho police force TO that the partitions separat
ing bedrooms in hotels were not less than three
inches thick
The two notable points in the operation OF the
Ranes law, it stands. in the hotel district
he abolition OF the sale of liquor in hotels and ali.
night restaurants after o'clock in the morning.
a hotel license could sell drinks all night in con-
junction with food. \ broad-ga interpreta ton
Of the old law made thu requisite food rather
meagre. There is general grImbling over the
changes made, not only in the so-called Raines
law hotels, but also in the big hotels. In the first
place the hotel do not at all farcy the restora
ton of the free lunch. They say 1t costs more than
bound II to have it. They say It is deal to sell
cheese and crackers solely. Under the provision
forbdding free lunch they Were able to sell these
articles at good profit. and they COM
PEELED to give away what they once received price
for.
The drinks sold In a reputable hotel after oclock
DO not amount to much The bars In the various
large hotels close at o'clock promptly. and after
ward the drinks sold usually served in the cafes
In the rooms upstairs. There are, however scat
tered over the Tenderoip dozen or more all-nlgnt
restaurants who do the larger part OF their bust
ness after o'clock in the morning. In all of these
places. such Shdnley's. Martins. Burns's and
the Broadway Garden, notices have been posted up
by the proprietors warning all patrons that they
must secure all the drinks they need before a. m.
These restaurant keepers are in quandary az TO
what 90. They have not examined the law
closely yet but they that, with certain changes
In their buildings and the payment OF license for
the extra privilege they will be allowed TO sell in
toXicatng liquor all night. one of the proprietors
of all-night restaurant said yesterday that he
would probably secure such extra license, and
would make up the added cost by additional
charge for liquor sold within that time: Others
In doubt and most of those affected intend to
study the subject more fully before making any
move toward selling drinks all night.