The Washington times., 1916-02-02
j. S. RETAIL LIQUOR
DEALERS BODY FOR
STRICT REGULATION
National Association in Session
Here Adopts Resolution 0p-
posing Prohibition.

The National Retail Liquor Dealers
Association at today's session of its an
nual conference adopted a set OF reso-
lutlons favoring stricter regulation Of
the liquor traffic in the United States
and opposing prohibition.
The resolutions call for dlscontinuance
Of the bucket. or "growler." trade, is-
suance of licenses to only American
citizens Of known good character, es-
tablIshment of family resorts in which
all kinds of refreshments shall be dis
pensed, and.in which the sale of alco-
hohc beverages shall not be emphasized
any more than other beverages, and for
united ranks on the part Of liquor deal
ers, brewers, wholesalers and retailers
to resist the efforts of prohibhionists
ito destroy our licensed business"
Regulations Suggested.
The resolution looking toward inn
provements in the liquor business fol-
lows:
ut is the sense OF this convention that
for commercial reasons, regulations
should be advocated by the trade itself,
looking to (a) elimination of objection
able practices, (b) complete cleanliness
and sanitation, (c) elimination of treat
ing by the proprietor. I'D refusal of
service to habitual drunkards and per-
sons apparently intoxicated, (e) elimina-
tion where possible or reasonable re-
strction of free lunches and the bucket
trade.
THE sentiment of the trade is unal-
terably committed to suppression of any
licensed business. connected directly
or indirectly with any disorderly house
or gambling establishment. Licensees
should arrange and conduct their prem
ises so that disorderly men or women
shall be excluded. and the charge that
the saloon Is a place of asslgnation be
made groundless in fact. and that Sll
blinds and screens should be removed
during prohibitlve hours"
Want Gaugers Continued.
The action OF Congress in failing to
! make appropriations for the pay OF
United States Eaugers was made the
subject OF the following resolution:
THAT, whereas. the last session OF
Congress. while generously voting a
grant of S40,0 to aid in an international
congress on non-alCoholism, to be held
! in this country. failed TO make the
necessary appropriation to sustain the
United states gaugers appointed to the
rectifying houses OF the country, leaV-
ing II entirely to the honesty and in
tegrity of the rectifier to stamp the
quantity and proof on each barrel OF
whisky, and
Whereas, without this Government
| supervision, the retail liquor dealers
| would be at the mercy OF unscrupulous
Tectifers; therefore be II
Resolved. that this convention hereby
petitions the internal revenue commits
sloner to continue the services of said
United States gaugers in the rectifying
houses until Congress again meets"
To Be Guests At Banquet.
II Is understood that other resolutions
| dealing with the Sheppard District ap.
| preparation bill and the measure pro.
v'ding for a national prohibition amend.
ment will be offered before adjournment
| late this afternoon. Members of the
| association say tho national amendment
| is unconstitutional because there il
| nothing in the Constitution about pro,
| hibition, and Instead of being an amend.
| ment the Hobson measure would be an
| addition TO the Constitution and there.
| fore require a two-thirds vote in Con,
| gress or the States.
Fred Piel. president Of the National
! Brewers Association. addressed the
| convention today. and reports from
| various committees were received
| The national association members
| will be the guests or the local Retail
! Liquor Dealers Association at a ban.
| quot nt the Nationa! tonight An.
nouncement was made today that q
number OF Congressman and Senators
had been invited tc speak at the ban
quot.