When conveyance of the recording paper 3 by the conveyance mechanism 12 stops, the printer 1 supplies power of a specific current level to the supply motor 25. This applies specific torque to the paper roll 2 in the opposite direction as the direction in which tension is applied to the recording paper 3 by a spring 30, and holds the movable member 27 at the same position as when conveyance of the recording paper 3 stopped. The torque applied to the paper roll 2 to hold the print position of the movable member 27 is torque sufficient to hold the paper roll 2 still without rolling, and is less than the torque required to turn the paper roll 2 to maintain constant tension on the recording paper 3. Little current is therefore supplied to the supply motor 25, and the supply motor 25 is prevented from overheating.