XN000022-1973-02-16 — Page 2

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Friday, February 16, 1973

RESTRICTIONS ON DRINKING AT LATE HOURS LIFTED

Situation To Be Reviewed After One Year

The Government will abolish the restrictions on drinking during

late hours with effect from today.

However, a Government spokesman said the situation would be reviewed

after 12 months.

New regulations, making abolition of these restrictions possible,

are published in the Gazette today for general information.

Under existing regulations, the public can only legally purchase

and consume liquor between 8 a.. and 2 a.m. on premises licensed by the

Liquor Licensing Board.

In addition, licensed hotels and private clubs may sell liquor at

any time to bona fide residents and members respectively.

The new regulations will enable members of the public to buy and

drink liquor at any time of the day or night.

This means that owners of establishments selling liquor can determine

their own. opening hours.

Explaining the new measures, a spokesman said: "During 1971, there

was an increase in the number of applications for club liquor licences where

the sole purpose of the club appeared to be evading licensing hours and

controls on entertainment.

These clubs .....