Evening star., 1947-08-13

and regulations not inconsistent
with this act as they may deem
necessary to carry out the purposes
thereof, and to control and regulate
the manufacture. sale. keeping for
sale. offer for sale, solicitation of
orders for sale, importation, expor-
tation and the transportation of
alcoholic beverages in the District
of Columbia for the protection of
public health, comfort, safety and
morals"
Cites Penalty for Minors.
Mr.. Payne also pointed out that
section 80 of the ABC Act provides
penalty for minor who falsely rep
resents his age to obtain drinks and
he said this clearly shows that the
intent of Congress was to prevent
drinking by minors. He said he be-
lieves this section should be con-
sidered.
Despite the opinion of Mr.. West,
the Washington Restaurant Associa-
ton yesterday decided to continue
to refuse drinks for consumption by
minors. Robert J. Wilson, secretary
of the association. presided at a
hastily called meeting of the ABC
Committee of the association yes
terday and on behalf of the 400
members of the association voted
not to take advantage of the new
Interpretation.
One member of the committee
said the new Interpretation would
create more problems than it would
solve. He also said there is a
possibility that licensees who per-
mitted minors to drink on their
premises. even though accompanied
by adults, might be charged with
contributing to the delinquency of
the minor
Most Owners Oppose Minors.
Edward N. Myles, president and
chairman of the board of the Tavern
Owners of Washington, said most
owners preferred not to have minors
come into their places of business,
even though accompanied by adults,
He said the new Interpretation
leaves many loopholes and that the
only thing the tavern keepers would
welcome was that the citation here
after would not be against the owner
of the place but probably would be
against the adult who brought the
minor In ~
Thomas E. Lodge. a former chair
man of the ABC Board and
prominent lawyer and civic leader
here, issued a statement In which
he said in part:
Many years ago, the District
Commissioners ruled that the
opinions of the District of Columbia
Corporation Counsel were not to be
made available to the public that is
bound by them. With this ruling
many have disagreed. Thus the
public is permitted the substance.
not the full opinion. of the present
corpora ton counsel in his interpre-
tation of Section 20 of the Act of
Congress known as the Alcoholic
Control Act"
Reform Group Urges Protest.
The International Reform FEEDER
alton, through its general superin-
tendent. Clinton N. Howard, today
addressed an emergency" appeal to
all church pastors and congrega-
tions, social agencies, citizens associ-
ations and parents of Washington
TO protest Mr.. Vests astounding"
opinion to the ABC Board and the
District Commissioners.
This opinion. If allowed to
stand" said the federation, sweeps
away every atom of protection which
juveniles have on premises where
liquor is sold to, their elders. 1t
makes of every tavern, cocktail bar,
night club, hotel. or other place of
sale a juvenile saloon where boys
and girls may be served and soaked
with Intoxicating liquors without
the law
The Rev. Leonard S. Edmonds,
director of the social welfare de-
partment of the Washington Fed
Grafton of Churches, described Mr..
Vests Interpretation of the regu-
la tions as "a case of straining at q
gnat and swallowing a camel"
priroe