Evening star., 1943-10-10

~ 'tN' DNPS' fttShdcfL " w CiUfiLS,
Measures and Markets, District OF
Columbia.
The move tnaugurated by Commits
Sloner Guy Mason for revocation OF
licenses of restaurants and food stores
persLStently violating health and sanitary
laws is step in the right direction. If
the procedure begun is followed continu-
ouSlE and vigorously. with ali eye single
TO the pubic Weltale, much improvement
VIII result III eating places and food
stores which have too long been a
menace to health III the Nations Capital
Refusal or revocation of licenses is the
most effective weapon for use against
business concerns perSistently violating
the law
1t Is generally conceded that estab-
nshments inviting public patronage have
no right to sell food which is spoiled.
unWholeSome, or prepared or kept in such
revolving surroundings as some of those
described during recent court trials, I'M
position Of small fines or forfeiture of a
lew dollars collateral, as has been clearly
demonstrated. in most instances, utterly
Tails to accomplish the purpose sought.
1t Is usually cheaper for a restaurant or
store proprietor to pay a small fine occa-
Slonally than TO keep his premises clean,
Action similar to that started with
regard to restaurants and food stores
might well be extended to other busi.
neSSeS committing other offenses, espe-
clally noticeable and henious during war
time efforts. One of the most valuable
services which municipal officials can
render businessmen who conduct their
establishments on high plane and deal
honorably with the public. is to secure
enactment and competent administration
OF falr and reasonable regulatory meas
ureS relating to business itself.
While much benefit should flow from
the action started under the license law
respecting filthy restaurants and food
stores, II aggressively pursued, much
greater benefits to business and to the
general public can be brought about bv
having new license law enacted con-
tanning needed provisions to apply to
many lines of business not included in
the present statute.
Evidence of Good Character.
In the professions, such as law medi-
cine, pharmacy, dentistry; in business
such as real estate. and in trades, such
as barbering, beauty culture and taxicab
driving, persons before being licensed,
must not only demonstrate proficiency in
their callings, but must also submit salts
factory evidence of good character. But
with merchants, brokers, restaurant
operators and many other businesses
directly affecting honorable competitors
and the public generally, no evidence of
good character is required
Need for diligent investigation before
licensing has recently engaged attention
by discovery of conditions with respect
to rooning houses. brought to light dur
ing crowded wartimes. 1t appears that
While investigation has been lax in some
instances, in others it has been over
worked. The home of at least one Dis
trlct resident of highest character and
professional reputation whose wife took
a limited number of Government work.
ers to board after housing conditions be-
came crowded, is reported to have been
inspected more than 25 times before a
license was granted.
The system pursued In regard to
licensing In the District lacks much OF