National Security (Supplementary) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1944, No. 58, made under the National Security Act 1939–1943, aims to address specific disruptions that might occur on Anzac Day, 1944, during the context of World War II. Enacted by the Governor-General in the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to ensure that certain activities, such as the sale of intoxicating liquor, racing events, and public entertainments, are restricted on Anzac Day, in order to maintain solemnity and respect for the day's significance. The policy objective is to prevent any activities that could detract from the commemorative nature of Anzac Day, thereby maintaining the national observance of the day.

Scope and Application

This statutory regulation, made under the National Security Act 1939–1943, specifically targets individuals and entities holding licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor, organisers of race-meetings, greyhound-racing events, athletic games, sports, and public entertainments in theatres or similar venues. The regulation applies on the 25th of April, 1944, and mandates that these licensed premises must not be open for the sale of intoxicating liquor, nor can they host certain activities on this particular day. Additionally, individuals cannot enter such premises without lawful excuse on this day if they would otherwise be barred on a Sunday. The regulation also extends to prohibiting the holding or conducting of specified events or entertainments before one o'clock in the afternoon on the same day. Furthermore, owners, lessees, occupiers, or those in control of race courses, recreation grounds, or buildings are forbidden from allowing any activities that contravene these provisions. The regulation underscores that it does not legalise any actions that would otherwise be unlawful. The regulation applies nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions. The scope and application of this regulation are further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments under the authority of the National Security Act 1939–1943.

Key Provisions

The regulation, made under the National Security Act 1939–1943, primarily adds a new rule to the National Security (Supplementary) Regulations, which is aimed at restricting certain activities on Anzac Day, 1944 (section 1). Specifically, it mandates that licensed premises selling intoxicating liquor must be closed on April 25, 1944, and that such premises cannot sell alcohol to anyone who would not be legally permitted to purchase it on a Sunday (section 1(1)). Furthermore, the regulation prohibits the holding or conducting of any race meetings, athletic games, or public entertainment in theatres or similar venues before 1 pm on the same day (section 1(2)). It also places a responsibility on owners, lessees, occupiers, or those in control of race courses, recreation grounds, and other venues to ensure that no events violating these restrictions take place (section 1(3)). Under this regulation, licensed premises must adhere strictly to the alcohol sale restrictions on Anzac Day, which means they must be closed or not serve alcohol to patrons who would be prohibited from doing so on a Sunday. Similarly, any form of organised racing, athletic events, or public entertainment must not commence before 1 pm. The regulation extends to any venue, whether privately or publicly owned, and imposes a duty on those in control to prevent any activities that contravene these provisions. Breaches of this regulation could result in serious consequences. For instance, any person found violating the provisions by selling alcohol in a manner not permitted on a Sunday, or by hosting events before the stipulated time, could face legal action. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, under the overarching National Security Act, penalties for contravening regulations can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The severity of the penalty would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any previous offences.