Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1895 — THE NICHOLSON BILL. [ARTICLE]

THE NICHOLSON BILL.

Chapter 127 is the famous Nicholson bill. Its principal points of difference from former liquor laws are as follows: The saloon must be kept separate from all other business, unless the license specially permits some other business. No games or amusements of any kind are allowed, and no partitions in the

room. No one bnt the proprietor and members of his family, are allowed to enter the saloon daring days or hours when selling is unlawful. Saloon must be on ground floor or basement, and daring closed hours all screens and curtains must be removed so that an unobstructed view of the entire interior may be had from the street. Violators of any of the above provisions are fined from $lO to SIOO and may be jailed. And upon a second conviction, their license may be revoked, and must be for a third conviction. Saloonists are forbidden to allow minors about their premises; and also to sell or give liquor to a minor. Penalties $lO to SIOO, and jail for 90 days may be added. It is made the duty of all peace officers, such as town marshals, sheriffs, constables, policemen &c. to enforce the provisions of this law. No person can have more than Ane license, and the holder of the license mnst be the actual owner of the business.

The local option section provides that if a majority of the legal voters of any township (or city ward) sign a remonstrance against any applicant for a license, such applicant shall not be granted a license for two yeara. The remonstrance affects only the particular individual against whom it is directed. Drug stores can sell or give away liquor in less than quart quantities, only upon written prescriptions of reputable physicians. Penalty for Ist offense $25; later offenses $25 to S2OO and 6 months in jail may be added. Chapter 159 provides that the nature of alcoholic drinks and narcotics, and their effects on the human system shall hereafter be taught in all the public schools of the state. No certificate to teach can be granted after June 30, 1895, without examination on these subjects. Chapter 162 requires that parties who sell convict made goods from other states must procure a license from the Secretary of State.