Anti Drink Individuals Views and Miscellaneous : General William Booth

Abstract

IN SUPPORT OF THE LICENSING BILL.
GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH, D.C.L., OXFORD,
FOUNDER OF THE SALVATION ARMY

EXTRACT FROM 'THE WAR CRY'
THE GOVERNMENT BILL IS A HEALTHY SIGN. ITS MAIN PROVISION GIVES EFFECT, I THINK, TO THE UNDOUBTED AND OFT-RE-PEATED WISH OF THE PEOPLE, EXPRESSED ALMOST WITHOUT PARTY BIAS, FOR A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSES. EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE CIVILISED WORLD HAS PROVED THAT DRUNKENNESS IS LARGELY PROPORTIONATE TO THE FACILITIES AFFORDED FOR OBTAINING DRINK. REDUCE THE FACILITIES 7 YOU REDUCE THE DRINK BILL. I REGRET THAT MR. ASQUITH HAS NOT SEEN FIT TO GO FURTHER WITH RESPECT TO SUNDAY CLOSING. THE MEASURES FOR PREVENTING THE EVILS ASSOCIATED WITH CLUBS ARE, IN MY OPINION, INSUFFICIENT.
THE LOCAL VETO OF NEW LICENSES IS GOOD.