A report is current, partly guaranteed by the Licensed Victuallers'
Guardian, that a Licensing Bill is to be brought in next year. It will enable the magistrates to restrict the number of liquor shops in their districts, and will, it is said, contain a very original clause. The houses to be left are to be selected by competition, the pro- prietors who offer the highest premiums obtaining the licences. It is useless to discuss such a proposal before it is explained, but at first blush we should say it might be made to tend to good order. The innkeepers will not like to lose a monopoly for which they have paid a heavy premium by tolerating any disorderly proceedings. On the other hand, the tendency to adulterate the liquors will be increased, and the sellers in each district will be able to combine very strictly.
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