Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-17
HIGH LICE SE LAW
May Mean Reduction in the
Size Of Glasses.
u
DRINKERS PERTURBED
DEALERS ARE DISPLAYING MUCH
ANXIETY.
"Growler Rushers" Fear Prospect of
Increase in Price of Their
Favorite Beverage.
DRINKERS PERTURBED

Members Of the Grower Rushers' Asso-
citation" are somewhat disturbed over the
prospects of an increase in the price of
their favorite beverage when the high
license law becomes effective. Until some
action Is taken by the organization, the in
dividual members will continue to get their
buckets filled with the foaming liquid as
usual. Not until the saloon men advance
the price will any action be taken by the
association. 1t is deemed a matter of good
fortune by the members that the law be-
comes effective November /, when, they
argue, the weather is such that a change
In the beverage is more than probable on
account of the atmospheric conditions
While many of the drinkers are discussing
the matter lightly, the dealers are display
ing some anxiety as to the outcome. The
latter are trying to figure out how they are
gong to clear enough to pay the additional
s40O added to the present license tax by
the recent act of Congress. The new law
provides an increase of 1888 a month
ana many of the saloon owners do not see
now they are going to be able to pay the
increase unless there is change of soma
h4Ho III the method of conducting business.
Smaller Places Interested.
What this change is to be is agitatng
the minds of many of those who conduct
the smaller places. In cases such as the
notes and some of the larger establish
ments on the business thoroughfares the
question of increase does not affect the pro-
prietors. because their business is such that
they can readily pay the additional amount
II Is stated that many of the smaller deal
ers hold the opinion that the more pros
porous saloon men are well satisfied with
the new law. They believe their business
Will eventually increase as number OF
will l,1y ba 4
10 close their doors after the first year's
trlal under the high license law
II Is SAID that large number of the sa-
rooms OF TINS city are mortgaged to such an
extent that they are virtually owned by
the brewers or wholesale liquor dealers.
Ihese dealers cannot afford to close the sa =
looms for the sake Of the additional $500 or
let them get into the hands of rivals, and
LOT TINS reason it is believed that no saloon
Will close at the opening of the first wear
on account of the increased amount of the
license tax. 1t is the belief of a number of
retail dealers that one years experience
Will mean the closing of number of places
and corresponding decrease in the amount
OF revenue from this source.
Reduction in Size of Glasses.
How am I going to solve the problem p"
repeated saloonkeeper when questioned
concerning the manner in which he exc
pected to meet the extra demand for reve-
nue.. Il can't tell exactly what 1 will do
One of my temperance friends suggested
to me that 1 reduce the size of my whisky
glasses, which would not only prove a saw
ing of money for me, but would also be a
popular move in the"line of temperance.
1T is true that In many large cities the
whisky glasses are not anything like as
large as they are in this city. A reduction
in the size of glasses would undoubtedly
bring in considerably more money than is
now Melted and with good business would
make up the deficiency.
Such a change would not attract SO
much attention on the part of customers
as would change in the size of beer
glasses. and fewer complaints would fol-
low. But as l said at the start l have not
yet made up my mind just what 1 will do"
Another saloonkeeper who discussed the
problem said he thought he would make a
change in the size of beer glasses, as well
as those in which whisky is served. This
dealer said he hoped to make a saving on
each glass of beer served during the year
so the amount would equal the amount Of
the increase.