STATUTORY RULES.
1913. No. 3.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1912.
Amendment to Commonwealth Military Regulation 490.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby certify that, on account of urgency, the following Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1912 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulation to come into operation forthwith as a Provisional Regulation.
Dated this eighth day of January, One thousand nine hundred and thirteen.
DENMAN,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
G. F. PEARCE.
REGULATIONS (PROVISIONAL) FOR THE MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
Amendment.
Regulation 490 is amended to read:‑‑
“490. At all Canteens and Institutes established under these Regulations the supply of all alcoholic liquors, except ales and wines, is strictly prohibited. Such ales and wines are to be consumed on the premises, and are not to be taken outside the barracks, encampment, or rifle range (as the case may be).”
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Acting Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C88.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1913 No. 3, titled "Provisional Regulations Under the Defence Act 1903-1912," was enacted in 1913 to address the urgent need for amendments to the existing military regulations, specifically concerning the provision of alcohol in military canteens and institutes. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to immediately address the problem of alcohol supply within the military forces. The policy objective, as indicated in the text, was to restrict the availability of alcoholic beverages in military establishments, except for ales and wines, which could only be consumed on the premises and not taken outside barracks, encampments, or rifle ranges. This regulation was introduced with a sense of urgency to ensure compliance and maintain discipline within the military forces.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912 pertain specifically to the military forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting the conduct and operations of canteens and institutes established under these regulations. This legislative instrument imposes strict limitations on the supply of alcoholic liquors, barring the provision of all forms except ales and wines. These ales and wines are permitted for consumption only on the premises and must not be taken outside the confines of the barracks, encampment, or rifle range. The regulation is designed to control the distribution and consumption of alcohol within military settings to maintain discipline and order. The regulations are applicable to all canteens and institutes that fall under the purview of these military provisions, thereby affecting military personnel and any entities operating these facilities within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, but its application is limited to the areas and premises defined under the Defence Act 1903-1912.
Key Provisions
The main operative section of the Provisional Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1912 pertains to the amendment of Regulation 490 (490). This amendment specifically targets the supply of alcoholic liquors at canteens and institutes established under these regulations. It strictly prohibits the supply of all alcoholic liquors, except for ales and wines, which are permitted for consumption on the premises but not to be taken outside the barracks, encampment, or rifle range (490). The essence of this regulation is to control the availability and consumption of alcohol within the military environment, ensuring it is confined to designated areas.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and stringent. Canteens and institutes, which are part of the military infrastructure, must strictly adhere to the prohibition of supplying any alcoholic liquors except ales and wines. Furthermore, even these permitted beverages cannot be taken outside the specified areas such as barracks, encampments, or rifle ranges. This regulation extends to the members of the military, who must ensure they consume any permitted alcoholic beverages only within the confines of the approved locations. The regulation aims to maintain discipline and order within the military by controlling alcohol consumption.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to various consequences, both civil and criminal, depending on the severity of the breach. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument itself, breaches of such regulations typically carry penalties as outlined in the overarching Defence Act or other relevant military laws. These penalties could range from administrative sanctions to more severe disciplinary actions, reflecting the seriousness with which the military treats such violations. The overarching intent is to uphold the standards of conduct expected within the military forces of the Commonwealth.