The Clayson Report
The Clayson Report on the Licensing Laws in Scotland has now been published. Longer hours for selling liquor on Sabbath and weekday and abolishment of the Veto Poll are among the recommendations of this Report. Had the Committee consisted of the brewers themselves they could hardly have done more to further their interests.
We ask—But what of the law of the Sabbath? What of the broken and shattered homes in the land where mothers and children are exposed to ill-treatment and shame all through the evil influence of drink? What of the homes where children are exposed to neglect and cruelty because not only one but both parents have fallen a prey to drink? Can these unfortunates no longer look to the Government of the land to give a little alleviation to their suffering by limiting the opportunities for drinking? What of the young of the land growing up amidst numerous moral dangers? Must they be exposed to further temptations in order that they may be ensnared in this terrible vice and end up in an alcoholic’s grave? It is good to know that there are individuals and societies who actively engage in the relief of those enslaved by drink and their dependents. But our priorities must be right. Prevention is better than cure. One factor in that prevention is undoubtedly the limiting of the hours for the supply of intoxicating liquors. This report, sad to say, does the very opposite.