Evening star., 1927-11-13
POLICE P|CKET|NG
SOF FT-DR|NK PLACES
ParIors Suspected of VioIat-
ing Liquor Law Being
Watched in Drive.

Picketing of soft.drink establish
ments. where it is suspected by the
police that liquor is being sold, has
been ordered by Capt. Maurice Col
Inns in command of precinct No. I, in
Georgetown.
Observers yesterday found police
officers watching the entrances of sew
eral places at frequent intervals. At
one place, it was learned that 10 or
more policemen have taken turns
standing in front of the door, closely
scrutinizing everybody who goes in
or comes out
John c. Reidy who conducts a soft
drink establishment at 3004 NJ street,
one of the places being watched, has
employed lawyer 10 find out whether
the police were within their legal
rights to picket his place. Further
more, Reidy said the policemen often
enter and stand at the bar alongside
the patrons and sometimes they ques-
ton the patrons AS they enter and
ask them what they are going inside
to get.
Neglect Is Charged.
Reidy declared they could stand in
front of his place or enter it as often
as they please without discovering
anything wrong, but he, insists that
the picketing is hurting his business
of selling near-beer, ginger ale and
cigars. Martin j. Mcnamara, tho
lawyer whom MIR. Reidy retained,
said that he may take steps to pre-.
vent the police from interfering with
the patrons, but he did not see how
they could be prevented from stand
ing outside. Mcnamara says so
many policemen have been picketing
the Reidy place that the proper bust
ness of protecting people in this part
of the city against robbery and other
crimes is being neglected"
Mai. Hesse has told me that the
police are trying to prevent the law
from being violated" said Mr. Nc
Namara. but | do not think that is
the province of the police in ease
like this. Their duty is to arrest per
sons who violate the Jaw, not to
break up mans legitimate business.
am waiting to see how long they
keep this thing up before l decide
what legal steps to take
When a reporter entered Reidy's
place NeStciuuN. lIli tc lIDllCtIiieu NSiF
standing on the sidewalk in front Cf
tn door. They said nothing, but
seemed to be keeping a close watcl
on everything that was going on ir
the vicinity.
The room inside was deserted ex-
cept for ID. j. Bradley. brother.in.laW
of Mr.. Reidy who was in charge.
Claims Business Injured.
People are being turned away
from our place" said Mr.. Bradley,
you cannot expect them TO come IN
when the police look at them as it
they were criminals. There Is nothing
to be found here except what we have
a right to sell, but our business Will
soon be gone entirely if this keeps
up"
Capt Collins said that he had one
man detailed for inspection work in
Georgetown, and that not only Reldy S
place out several others in that Vicin,
itv we're under surveillance, and would
remain so.
Capt. Collins said that he had nor
given any instructions for names 10
be taken but that he himself had ob-
tained the names of persons emerging
from other establishments IN ms pre-
cinct. and they would be summon "a
as witnesses il future events Justlntd
it.
Collins described his activities as
"cleanllp": said that he had received
comnlaints that certain conditions IN
his district needed attention ana that
he intended to give 1t.