Exemption of occupier or manager from liability in certain cases

Where an occupier or manager of an establishment is charged with an offence punishable under this Act, he shall be entitled, upon complaint duly made by him and on giving to the complainant not less than three clear days notice in writing of his intention to do so, to have any other person whom he charges as the actual offender brought before the court at the time appointed for hearing the charge; and if, after the commission of the offence has been proved, the occupier or manager or the establishment, as the case may be, proves to the satisfaction of the court,- (a) that he has used due diligence to enforce the execution of this Act; and (b) that the said other person committed the offence in question without his knowledge, consent or connivances, that other person shall be convicted of the offence and shall be liable to the like punishment as if he were the occupier or manager of the establishment, and the occupier or manager, as the case may be, shall be discharged from any liability under this Act in respect of such offence: Provided that in seeking to prove as aforesaid, the occupier or manager of the establishment, as the case may be, may be examined on oath and his evidence and that of any witness whom he calls in his support shall be subject to cross examination on behalf of the person charged as the actual offender and by the prosecutor: Provided further that if the person charged as the actual offender by the occupier or manager cannot be brought before the court at the time appointed for hearing the charge, the court shall adjourn the hearing from time to time for a period not exceeding three months and if by the end of the said period the person charged as the actual offender cannot still be brought before the court, the court shall proceed to hear the charge against the occupier or manager and shall, if the offence is proved, convict the occupier or manager.