Evening star., 1942-02-08
Complete Study
Old. {. Liquor
Law Weighed
Senators Stirred
By Charges City
Is Wettest'
By J. A. OTEARY.

DrOaQ SCuQy Oh GIlc OlStIlCt
liquor control law may grow out
of the two-day hearings by Senate
subcommittee on the House ap-
proved bill to ban liquor price ad-
vertising and to extend the dry
zones around churches and schools
from 400 to 600 feet.
Senator Hughes, Democrat, OF
Delaware, said last night that, in
view of the charges made at the
hearings that Washington Is the
wettest city" and that 1t has a
large number of licensed places.
'it might be we'll to have a Senate
committee give the whole subject
consideration"
At the same time, Representative
Hebert, Democrat, of Louisiana re-
iterated his intention of asking the
House District Committee, when 1t
meets tomorrow morning, to author
ize an investigation Of the Alco-
holic Beverage Control Board.
Senator Hughes explained his sub
committee would report to the Sem
ate District Committee only on the
two specific changes proposed in
the pending liquor bill, and that
he would consult Senators Clark,
Democrat, Of Idaho and Capper,
Republican, Of Kansas, the other
subcommittee members, before sug-
gesting q wider probe to the full
committee.
The description of Washington as
q "wide-open city" in the sale Of
liouor was made by Senator Cap
per and supported by Wilbur LaRoe.
IT., of the Civic Affairs Committee
of the Washington Federation Of
Churches.
Chairman Thomas E. Lodge OF the
A. B. C. Board told Senator Capper
he could not agree that Washington
'is wide open." and said dealers do
not think so in view of the regula-
tions that have been laid down to
govern their business.
Other Cities Less Strict.
Senator Clark said he did not
want to take the position of justify
Ing the District control system, but
believed a comparison would show
that Washington has more re-
strictions than many other big
cities. He pointed out Washington
has no Sunday sale of liquor, no
stand-up bars and earlier closing
hours.
Testimony that washington has
one of the highest per capita rates
in the country for liquor consump-
ton prompted several later wit
nesses to contend that Washington
does not consume all the liquor the
figures indicate is sold here.
Martin F. O'Donoghue. attorney
for the District Retail Liquor
Dealers Association. and P. A.
Sugrue, chairman of the associa-
tons executive board, declared that
cut-rate advertising by some of the
package stores attracts buyers from
nearby States. They supported the
bill to ban advertising of prices.
Mr.. Lodge said the statistics indi-
eating a high per capita use here
are based on the sale OF revenue
stamps, and pointed out there is
tremendous amount of liquor here
In storage which should be con-
sidered in estimating consumption.
He said he believed consumption
individually is no greater here"
No Price Control.
In favoring the ban on price ad-
vertising, Mr.. ODonoghue recalled
a grand jury report last summer,
which described the retail liquor
business Is in chaotic" condition
because of price cutting and dis
counts by distilleries that enable
some retailers to sell below the
prices other retailers pay for their
stocks.
Mr.. O'Donoghue also charged
some stores advertise wholesale,
though they are licensed locally as
retailers. He said they do that by
going to the Federal Alcohol Con-
troll Administration and getting a
permit to sell more than five gal
Ions to a person.
r. F.. Camalier, District Commit
tee counsel, pointed out that deal
ers are required to put wholesale"
on their windows when they take
out the Federal permit.
Senator Clark asked Mr.. Lodge
II the A. B. C. Board takes cog
nizance of fair trade practices OF
licensees. Mr.. Lodge said the board
did not, explaining it has no power
to control prices. Asked who would
have Jurisdiction, Mr.. Lodge said
he did not know, unless it would
be the Federal Trade Commission.
Mr.. Lodge said some distillery
representatives are referred to as
"hatchet men" because they come
into the city and induce dealers to
buy stocks beyond their ability to
pay for or to sell. That. he said,
leads to the dumping of goods at
reduced prices.
The District Commissioners have
opposed the pending bill. and Mr..
Lodge testified yesterday he does
not believe it Is needed. He repeated
the statement previously made by
Assistant Corporation Counsel Ver-
non E. West, for the Commissioners,
that 1t would only prohibit local
retailers from advertising. without
banning national advertising in
publications or by radio.
No Shortage Of Liquor.
Senator Clark inquired what the
position of the supporters OF the
bill would be toward a complete
ban on liquor advertising Of any
kind, instead of prohibiting only
price lists.
F.. Joseph Donohue, representing
another group of dealers favoring
(See LIQUOR, Page A-14o