asked the Minister for Justice if, when introducing amending proposals for legislation relating to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Laws, steps will be taken (1) to delete from existing Acts the provisions which prohibit the display of flags or other emblems from licensed premises; (2) to restore the discretionary powers of District Justices in dealing with breaches of said Acts, in view of the hardship which compulsory endorsement imposes on traders convicted of such offences; (3) to revise the Publican's Renewal Certificate by deleting therefrom the householder's certificate in view of the fact that it imposes unnecessary obligations on traders, that other provisions exist for the protection of public interests and that the prescribed Publican's Renewal Certificate is now considered obsolete, and (4) if he is aware that District Court Clerks demand a fee in addition to the prescribed stamp duty for attending to the filling up and checking of Publicans' Certificates, and if in view of the strong objection by traders to this practice steps will be taken to see that these officials carry out these duties without claiming a private fee from traders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Liquor Laws.
As regards parts 1, 2 and 3 of the question, I cannot give any undertaking, but I shall see that the suggestions receive consideration.
As regards part 4, District Court Clerks are forbidden to take gratuities for doing any work which it is part of their duty to do. They are allowed, in connection with the preparation of the papers leading to annual renewal of Licensing Certificates, to do certain work which should strictly be done by the applicant himself and to accept a gratuity not exceeding 3/- for doing such work, provided that the arrangement is entered into willingly by the applicant. No applicant is under any obligation to enter into such an arrangement. If any specific case of abuse is brought to my notice, I shall have it dealt with and if it is represented to me on behalf of licensed traders generally, or in any particular district, that they desire the practice to cease, I shall give directions accordingly. It has been permitted only on the understanding that it was acceptable to all parties.