Folkestone Chronicle
11-2-1905
Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 8th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward,
Lieut. Colonel Westropp, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and Mr. W.C. Carpenter.
There was the usual animated scene as the names of licensees
were called out in alphabetical order, and the usual theatrical ring of the
burly constables shouting “Get your money ready, please”.
The Chairman opened the Sessions by briefly saying “I will
ask the Chief Constable to read his annual report”.
Chief Constable Reeve then read the following:- Chief
Constable`s Office, Folkestone, Feb. 8th, 1905. To the Chairman and
Members of the Licensing Committee. Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that
there are at present within your jurisdiction 139 places licensed for the sale
of intoxicating liquore, viz., full licences 87, beer (on) 11, beer (off) 6,
beer and spirit dealers 16, grocers 12, chemists 4, confectioners 3. This gives
an average (according to the Census of 1901) of one licence to 220 persons, or
one on licence to every 313 persons.
Eighteen of the licences were transferred during the year,
viz., 12 full licences, 3 beer on, and three spirit dealers. One full licence
was transferred twice during the year.
The orders which were made at the last licensing meeting to
close the back entrances to various licensed houses, and to make certain
alterations to others, were complied with by the licensees.
Proceedings were taken by the police against three of those
licence holders during the year, one for harbouring prostitutes, and two others
for permitting drunkenness. The former only was convicted. He has since
transferred his licence and left the house.
Two other licence holders were proceeded against by the
Inland Revenue Authorities (six informations were laid against one defendant,
and three against the other), and in each case a conviction followed, the
defendants being fined 20s. and costs upon each summons.
For selling drink without a licence 8 persons were proceeded
against by the Inland Revenue Authorities, and two by the police, in each case
a conviction being recorded.
For drunkenness, 171 persons (143 males and 28 females) were
proceeded against, 156 convicted, and 15 discharged. This is an increase of 17
persons proceeded against as compared with the previous year. One person was
convicted of refusing to quit licensed premises when requested.
Six occasional licences and extension of hours on 42
occasions were granted to licence holders during the year.
There are 16 places licensed for music and dancing, and
three for public billiard playing.
Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquors are sold are
registered in accordance with the Licensing Act, 1902.
The general conduct of the licensed houses being in my
opinion at present satisfactory, I have no objection to offer to the renewal of
any of the present licences on the ground of misconduct.
I beg to point out that within the area formed by a line
drawn from the Harbour through South Street, High Street, Rendezvous Street,
Dover Road to the Raglan Hotel, thence over Radnor Bridge to the sea, there is
a population approximately of 5,090, with 45 “on” licensed houses, giving a
proportion of one licensed house to every 113 inhabitants. I would ask the
Bench to exercise the powers given them by the Licensing Act, 1904, and refer
the renewal of some of the licensed houses in this area to the County Licensing
Committee for consideration, and payment of compensation should any of the
renewals be refused.
The houses situate in this congested area which in my
opinion should be first dealt with under the provisions of the Act are the
following, viz.:- Victoria Inn, South Street, Duke Of Edinburgh, Tontine
Street, Cinque Ports, Seagate Street, Providence Inn, Beach Street, Star Inn,
Radnor Street, Perseverance Inn, Dover Street.
I would respectfully suggest that the consideration of the
renewal of the licences of these houses be deferred until the Adjourned
Licensing Meeting.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant. H. Reeve, Chief
Constable.
The Chairman: The report just read by the Chief Constable is
very satisfactory as to the general conduct of the houses, but we are sorry to
see an increase of 17in the number of charges for drunkenness, and we hope that
the licence holders will assist the police by doing all in theor power to
prevent drunkenness, and a decrease in charges during the coming year. As a
Licensing Bench we cannot close our eyes to the fact, as shown by Chief
Constable Reeve`s report that there are a very large number of licensed houses
in one certain area, and as the legislature have taken steps to compensate
licence holders for the loss of their licences, we have decided to adjourn the
granting of the six licences mentioned in the Chief Constable`s report, viz.,
The Victoria, Duke Of Edinburgh, Cinque Ports, Providence, Star and
Perseverance. In the meantime notice of objection to the licences will be
served, and the recommendations of the Justices will be considered by the Court
of County Quarter Sessions (Canterbury), and if one or the whole of these
houses are closed the owners will be compensated.
Folkestone Express
11-2-1905
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 8th: Before E.T. Ward Esq.,
Colonel Hamilton, Colonel Fynmore, W.G. Herbert Esq., and W.C. Carpenter Esq.
The Chief Constable`s report was read (see Chronicle for
full report).
The Chairman said the report was of a most satisfactory
nature. The Magistrates were pleased to fine there were no complaints against
any of the houses. It was, however, an unfortunate thing that there was an
increase in drunkenness during the year, and they hoped that the licence
holders would, in the coming year, be still more careful in trying to help the
Bench and the police as much as possible in keeping down drunkenness, so that
next year they might have a better report from the Chief Constable. With regard
to the houses the Chief Constable referred to in what he called the congested
area, there was no question that there were too many public houses there. By
the new Act they were empowered to report to the County Quarter Sessions those
houses which they thought were not required in the borough. They would
therefore direct the Chief Constable to serve notices of objection against
those six houses – the Victoria Inn, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Cinque Ports,
the Providence Inn, the Star, and the Perseverance – so that they might report
to the Quarter Sessions that those houses were unnecessary in the borough. Of
course, if the Quarter Sessions upheld their decision with regard to those
houses, or any one of them, then the owner would be compensated. If the Chief
Constable would kindly serve the notices, the licences would be dealt with at
the next Sessions.
The adjourned meeting was fixed for Monday, March 6th.
Folkestone Herald
11-2-1905
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 8th: Before Mr. J. Pledge,
Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, and
Mr. W.C. Carpenter.
The Chief Constable read his report (see Folkestone Chronicle
for details).
The Chairman said that the report of the Chief Constable was
very satisfactory, and the Licensing Bench were very pleased to find that there
was no complaint against any licence holders. There was an unsatisfactory
matter in connection with the report, and that was the increase in drunken
persons during the year, but the Bench hoped that the licence holders would be
more careful, and so try to help the Bench in the matter of keeping down
drunkenness, so as to have a better report from the Chief Constable next year.
With regard to those houses which had been reported upon, there was no question
about it that in the congested district there was a large number of houses,
viz., one to every 113 persons. By the new Act, the Bench were empowered to
report to the County Quarter Sessions those houses which they thought were not
required in the borough, and they would therefore direct the Chief Constable to
serve notices of objection before the adjourned meeting against those six
houses. The Bench would then report to the Quarter Sessions that, in their
opinion, those houses were unnecessary in the borough. If Quarter Sessions
upheld the decision of the Bench in regard to one or all of those houses, those
houses would be compensated.
Folkestone Herald
10-2-1906
Annual Licensing Sessions
The annual licensing sessions were held on Wednesday
morning. The Police Court was crowded with those interested in the trade and
the general public. The Magistrates present were Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonel
Hamilton, Mr. C.J. Pursey, Alderman W.G. Herbert, and Mr. R.J. Linton.
The Chief Constable presented his report. (For details see
Folkestone Chronicle)
It was intimated that at the adjourned licensing sessions
the licences of the Blue Anchor, the Providence, the Welcome, the Tramway, the
Channel, and the Hope would be opposed, on the ground that they were in excess
of the requirements of the neighbourhood. The licence holders of those houses
received this information as they stepped forward to ask for their renewals.
Folkestone Daily News
6-3-1905
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 6th: Before Messrs. Ward, Pursey,
Fynmore, Hamilton, and Carpenter.
The Providence
This house was opposed on the grounds of redundancy.
The Chief Constable deposed that it was a fully licensed
house, but the spirit licence had not been put in force. Last year the licence
was renewed on condition that the spirit licence should be taken out. The trade
had increased since the new tenant took the house. No complaint had been made
about the house.
Folkestone Chronicle
11-3-1905
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 6th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut.
Colonel Hamilton, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, W.C. Carpenter, C.J. Pursey, and W.G.
Herbert Esqs.
Six licences were objected to by the Chief Constable, acting
under the instructions of the licensing authority. These were: The Victoria
Inn, South Street, tenant Mr. Alfred Skinner; Mr. Minter representing the
brewers, Messrs. Mackeson and Co.
The Cinque Ports Arms, tenant Samuel Robert Webster; Mr.
W.R. Mowll for the brewers, Messrs. Leney and Co.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Mr. Ralph tenant; The Perseverance,
tenant Robert Henry Tracey, and The Providence. The brewers, Messrs. Flint and
Co., were in these three cases represented by Mr. Horace Avory, K.C.,
instructed by Messrs. Nicholson and Graham.
The Star, Radnor Street; In this, the last of the six houses
objected to, Mr. Haines appeared for the brewers and the tenant.
In all six cases both brewers and tenants objected to their
licences being taken away simply on the grounds of redundancy.
Mr. Avory`s objections were practically the same as those
which has been urged throughout the Kentish district, and were on all fours
with the advocates` objections who represented the other houses.
Chief Constable Reeve did not in any single case object on
the ground of misconduct on the part of the licensee, but purely on the grounds
of redundancy.
Mr. Avory K.C. submitted that the congested area in which
the six licences objected to was an unfair one. If the boundary on the map were
extended a mile, then it would be found that the houses were spread over and
serving a large population. It was not a suffcicient ground to take away a
man`s licence on the grounds of redundancy without comparing the threatened
house with other houses. He seriously submitted that it was worthy of the
Magistrates` consideration as to whether any practical result could follow a
reference to Quarter Sessions of these cases. So many licences in Kent had
already been referred to Quarter Sessions that he doubted whether sufficient
funds would be available for compensation purposes. The result would be a
deadlock when these cases came to be considered; the Quarter Sessions would
either be obliged to hold their hands, or there would be a gross injustice by
the reduction of compensation below the proper amount.
After a long hearing the whole of the six licences were sent
back to Quarter Sessions for reference.
Folkestone Express
11-3-1905
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 6th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut.
Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, and C.J.
Pursey Esqs.
The Chief Constable said he first of all put in a map
showing the congested area. The whole of the “on” licensed premises were marked
in red. The area he had marked was from the bottom of the steps leading to The
Bayle, across the top of High Street, Rendezvous Street, Grace Hill, Dover
Road, along Radnor Bridge Road, to the sea. Within that area there were 916
houses for a population approximately of 4,580. That included 46 “on” licensed
houses, giving a proportion of one “on” licence to about every 313 inhabitants.
There were also within the area six “off” licence holders. He should also like
to point out that within the borough during the past year they had 171 charges
of drunkenness. He had found that 94 of those charges arose within that
particular area.
The objection against the licence of Mr. Henry Green, of the
Providence Inn, was then heard.
The Chief Constable said in that case he should like to call
for the register in order to show the number of transfers which had been made
in that house. During the last ten years there had been six transfers of the
house. The Providence was in a block of four in Beach Street, the three other
houses being the Blue Anchor, the Queen`s Head, and the Wonder. The house in
question was a fully licensed one, and the present licensee obtained the
transfer in September, 1903. Messrs. Flint and Co. were the registered owners
and the rateable value was £20. Three of the houses were fully licensed,
including the Providence, and the Wonder was a beer “on”. The accommodation for
the public consisted of two small compartments and a tap room. There was a
small snug which was very dark indeed. Within a a radius of 100yards there were
24 other “on” licensed houses, within 150 yards there were 33, and within 200
yards there were 37. At the annual licensing meeting in 1903, he was directed
to oppose the renewal of the licence on account of redundancy and structural
reasons, and also because there was no spirit licence in force for the sale of
spirits, although at the time it was a fully licensed house. The licence was
renewed on the undertaking that the spirit licence would be taken up. It seemed
to him there was a very small trade done at the house, and in his opinion it
was quite unnecessary for the requirements of the neighbourhood.
Det. Sergt. Burniston said the trade done was small. The
class of customers were fishermen who resided in the neighbourhood, flower
hawkers, and a few women. He did not think the licence was necessary for the
requirements of the neighbourhood.
Insp. Swift said he had known the Providence for 22 years. A
lot of young men, mere youths, used the house.
Mr. Green went into the witness box, and said he sometimes
sold seven barrels in a fortnight, and sometimes eight. He did not encourage
youths to go to his house. The trade of the house had increased since he took
it.
Cross-examined, he said he did not think that if his house
was shut up there would be sufficient accommodation for his customers
elsewhere.
The Chairman said the Magistrates thought they were bound to
refer the case to the Quarter Sessions.
Folkestone Herald
11-3-1905
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 6th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman
W.G. Herbert, Councillor Fynmore, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Mr. W.C. Carpenter,
and Mr. C.J. Pursey.
It will be remembered that at the February Sessions the
Bench instructed the Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) to oppose the renewal of
six licences on the grounds that they were not required for the districts in
which they were situated.
The Providence Inn, Dover Street, was next dealt with.
The Chief Constable put in a large plan showing the
congested area, the map being on a scale of 1 inch in 500, and the public
houses being marked in red. Taking the area from the Bayle Steps, South Street,
High Street, Rendezvous Street, Dover Road to the Raglan Hotel, and thence to
the sea, there were 916 houses, with a population, approximately, of 4,580.
That included 46 on-licensed houses, which meant one on-licensed house to
nearly every 100 inhabitants, though for the borough at large there was one
house for every 131 inhabitants. There were six off-licence holders in the area
under notice. The register showing the number of transfers that had been
effected in connection with the house was produced by the Chief Constable, who
said that there were six transfers in the last ten years. The present licensee
was Mr. Henry Green, who obtained the transfer of the licence in September,
1903. The rateable value was £20. The house was in Beach Street, and was one of
a block of four on-licensed houses, three fully licensed and one beer on. The
house had two entrances, one on each side, and the accommodation provided for
the public consisted of two small compartments and a tap room. Within a radius
of 100 yards there were 24 on-licensed houses, within 150 yards there were 33
on-licensed houses, and within 200 yards there were 37 other houses. Witness
had been instructed the previous year to oppose the house on the ground of
redundancy, and because it had no spirit licence. However, the licence was
renewed on an undertaking that a spirit licence would be taken out. There
seemed to him to be very little trade done at the house, and in his opinion it
was unnecessary.
Cross-examined by Mr. Avory: The licence had been held by a
tenant named Warman for thirty years. In 1899 it passed from Mrs. Warman, the
former landlord`s widow, to a man named Polhill, who gave it up in 1902. There
had been three other tenants, the last of whom was the present tenant. In 1903
some alterations were made with the sanction of the Bench. The tenant had no
other occupation. Witness believed that he did a better trade than the previous
tenant.
Detective Sergeant Burniston described the trade of the
house as a small one. Its customers were a few fishermen and a few female
hawkers. The bar was dark on account of being low pitched. The four houses in
the block were badly constructed, but three of them were larger and lighter
than the Providence.
Inspector Swift said that he had known the house for 22
years. It was frequented by youths, women of questionable character, and
juvenile soldiers.
Mr. Avory: Do you think public houses are only intended for
old men?
Witness: No, sir. They are used by young men, very young.
Further questioned, witness said that certain revelry and
singing went on in this house, which other adjoining houses would not put up
with.
Mr. Henry Green, the tenant of the house, stated that he
sold seven or eight barrels of beer in a fortnight. Most of his customers were
fishermen. He offered no special inducements to young people, and he denied
that he had more persons of questionable character in than did any other
landlord. His trade had greatly increased.
Cross-examined by Mr. Reeve: If the Bench took away his
licence his customers would have to go elsewhere, and he did not think that
there would be sufficient accommodation for them anywhere else.
The Bench decided to refer the case to Quarter Sessions.
Southeastern Gazette
14-3-1905
The adjourned
licensing sessions for Folkestone were held on Monday, before E.T. Ward Esq.
(in the chair).
Mr. Minter applied
for the renewal of the Victoria Inn, South Street, on behalf of the owners,
Messrs. Mackeson and Co., Ltd. The police objected on the grounds that the
house was excessive. In that district there was one “on” licensed house to every 100 inhabitants. The Bench
unanimously decided to refer the house to the Quarter Sessions, granting the tenant
a provisional license in the meantime.
Mr. Mowll next
applied on behalf of the owners, Messrs. Leney and Co., for the renewal of the Cinque Port Arms, held by Samuel Robert Webster.
After hearing the evidence,
the Bench came to a similar decision.
They also referred
the following licenses to Quarter Sessions:—The Duke of Edinburgh, Messrs.
Flint and Co., owners; the Providence Inn., Henry Green, licensee; the
Perseverance Inn, Robert Henry Tracey, licensee; and the Star, held by Ticknor
Else.
Folkestone Daily News
11-5-1905
Local News
We learn that the Compensation Committee at Canterbury
appointed by the Quarter Sessions only intend to deal with 11 cases out of the
15 that were sent to them. There were six from Folkestone, five from Hythe, and
four from Elham.
The six from Folkestone were The Providence, The
Perseverance, The Cinque Ports, The Victoria, The Edinburgh Castle (sic), The
Star.
The Committee have decided that there is no need to
interfere with the Providence. The objection to that has been thrown without
asking for further evidence. The other five will be dealt with shortly.
Southeastern Gazette
30-5-1905
East Kent Licensing Committee
The principal
meeting of the East Kent Licensing Committee was held at the Sessions House,
Canterbury, on Friday and Saturday. At the first day’s sitting, Judge Sir W. L.
Selfe presided.
There were five
applications from Folkestone, viz., in respect of the Victoria, the
Perseverance, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Star, and the Cinque Port Arms. The
licensees were represented by Mr. Bodkin, K.C., Mr. Hohler, Mr. Rutley Mowll
and Mr. Haines, while Mr. Pitman appeared for the justices of Folkestone, and
Detective Sergt. Bumiston having given evidence, Mr. Bodkin contended that the
fact that compensation was now to be given did not affect the question, as to
whether a license should be renewed or not, and the onus upon those who came
there to prove that a license should be refused on the ground that it was not
required was just as great as if
they were acting last year instead of in the present year, and he thought it
was necessary to bear this in mind because one heard in various quarters views
expressed that now compensation was payable, these licensing cases might be got
through in as short, and, if he might say so, as perfunctory a way as possible,
without any enquiry of any sort, or careful attention given to the interests
involved. Mr. Bodkin further argued that the primary duty of the Licensing Justices
was that laid down in the Farnham case, viz., that they should personally
select the houses which they deemed were not required, instead of leaving such
selection to the discretion of the Chief Constable.
All the licenses
were refused, with the exception of that of the Perseverance.
Folkestone Express
3-6-1905
East Kent Licensing
The Special Committee of Licensing Justices of East Kent
considered on Friday, at the Canterbury Sessions Hall, five Folkestone licences
which had been referred to them under the Licensing Act of 1904. The Chairman
was Sir William Lucius Selfe. Mr. Pitman, barrister, appeared for the licensing
justices, and Mr. H.C. Bodkin, barrister, for the owners of the Victoria
(Messrs. Mackeson and Co.), the Perseverance and the Duke of Edinburgh (Messrs.
Flint and Co.); Mr. Hohler for the owners of the Star (Messrs. Ash and Co.);
Mr. G.W. Haines for the tenant of the Perseverance, and Mr. R. Mowll (Dover)
for the owners of the Cinque Ports Arms (Messrs. Leney and Co.).
Mr. Pitman said that in 1903 the licensing justices
announced their intention of exercising the power which they then had of
reducing the number of licensed houses in the area of Folkestone, and
especially in the neighbourhood of the Harbour district. In the beginning of
1904, in the King`s Speech, there was mentioned a prospect of the present
Licensing Act coming into force, and the justices determined therefore to hold
their hand, and nothing was done in 1904. At the annual meeting that year, the
Chief Constable gave notice that he intended to oppose the renewal of the five
licensed houses which had been mentioned, and one other, the Providence. At the
adjourned meeting the Chief Constable and the detective who assisted him in the
enquiries made gave evidence, in which they stated that the area which the
Chief Constable had marked off was a congested area, there being 915 houses for
a population of 4,580. There were 46 on-licensed houses and 6 off-licensed
houses, so there was rather more than one licence to every 100 of the
population. He did not think that there could be any doubt that in such
circumstances some reduction was necessary. The renewal authority recommended
that the renewal of the six houses mentioned should be considered, but at a
preliminary meeting it was decided that the Providence should not be proceeded
against. He might mention that the Chief Constable, in selecting those houses
for his opposition, was guided by the fact that they were the houses doing the
least trade, and that he had selected in each case one out of a cluster of
houses, and that which appeared the worst of each cluster.
Folkestone
Daily News 7-2-1906
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 7th: Before Messrs.
Ward, Hamilton, Pursey, Ames, Herbert, Fynmore, and Leggett.
The Chief Constable presented his report (for details
see Folkestone Chronicle)
Mr. Ward called attention to the increase of 12 cases
of drunkenness, and asked the licensed victuallers to assist the police in
carrying out their duties.
The Welcome public house was objected to on the ground
of misconduct. The Hope, the Channel, the Providence, the Tramway and the Blue
Anchor were objected to on the ground that they were nor required. All the
other licences were granted.
Folkestone Express
10-2-1906
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 7th: Before E.T. Ward Esq.,
Major Leggett, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J.
Pursey, W.C. Carpenter, and R.J. Linton Esqs.
The Chief Constable presented his annual report. (See
Folkestone Chronicle for details)
The Chairman said they were pleased to see that the whole of
the licensed houses had been well conducted. There had only been one conviction
during the year. He wanted to point out that that year there was an increase of
twelve cases of drunkenness in the borough. They earnestly asked the licence
holders to help the police as much as possible to prevent drunkenness. It was
always a curious thing where those people got their drink, and they must ask
the licence holders to try and do their utmost to stop drunkenness on their
premises.
All the licences were granted with the exception of six. The
Chief Constable was instructed to serve notices upon the tenants and owners of
the following public houses on the ground that they were not necessary; The
Channel Inn, High Street; the Hope, Fenchurch Street; the Providence, Beach
Street; Blue Anchor, Beach Street; and the Tramway, Radnor Street. He was also
instructed to serve notices with regard to the Welcome Inn on the ground of
misconduct.
The adjourned licensing sessions, when the six licences will
be considered, were fixed for March 5th.
Southeastern Gazette
13-2-1906
Local News
The annual
Licensing Sessions for the Borough of Folkestone were held on Wednesday, before
E.T. Ward Esq., in the chair.
The Chief
Constable reported that there were 136 premises licensed for the sale of
intoxicating liquors, viz., full licenses 85, beer “on” 9, beer “off” 6, beer
and spirit dealers 16, grocers 12, chemists 5, and confectioners' 3. This gave
an average, according to the census of 1901, of one license to every 225
persons, or one “on” license to every 326 persons. Three of the “off” licenses
(two held by spirit dealers and one by a chemist), would not be renewed, as the
premises were no longer used for the sale of drink, thus reducing the number of
licensed premises to 133, or one to every 230 persons. During the year ended
31st December, 183 persons (135 males and 48 females) were proceeded against
for drunkenness; 164 were, convicted and 19 discharged. This was an increase of
12 persons proceeded against, and 8, convicted as compared with the preceding
year. Only one license holder had been convicted during the year. All the
licenses were granted with the exception of six. The Chief Constable was instructed
to serve notices upon the tenants and owners of the following houses on the
ground that they were not necessary: The Channel Inn, High Street; the Hope,
Fenchurch Street; the Providence, Beach Street; Blue Anchor Beach Street; and
the Tramway, Radnor Street. He was also instructed to serve notice with regard
to the Welcome Inn, on the ground of misconduct.
Folkestone
Daily News 5-3-1906
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 5th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward,
W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton, T. Ames, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and
Lieut. Col. Hamilton.
The Providence
This licence was opposed on the grounds of its not
being required, and the Bench decided to refer it to Quarter Sessions.
Mr. Mercer appeared in the above case for the owners.
Folkestone Chronicle
10-3-1906
Adjourned Licensing Meeting.
The Adjourned Annual General Licensing Sessions were held at
the Town Hall on Monday, when the Chief Constable opposed the renewal of five
licences on the ground of redundancy, and one on the ground of misconduct. The
evidence was of the usual technical order, where a whole host of police
witnesses testified to an extraordinary state of things which had apparently
gone on for years. The sitting lasted from 11 a.m. until 4.30 p.m., and was
only relieved by one little light episode when Mr. Mercer on two occasions
quoted the Folkestone Herald as bearing upon a case heard at the Court, and on
each occasion the Chairman saying that the report was wrong, whereupon Mr.
Mercer intimated that he should give up taking the Herald.
The Bench sitting on Monday morning were Mr. E.T. Ward,
Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lt. Col. Fynmore, Lt. Col. Hamilton, Mr. C.J. Pursey,
Mr. W. Linton, and Major Leggett.
The Providence
The Providence, Messrs. Flint and Co, landlord Mr. Green.
Mr. Mercer for the tenant and owners.
This house was objected to solely upon the grounds of
redundancy.
Chief Constable Reeve, sworn, said: I first of all put in a
plan in which I have marked the whole of the public houses in a congested area;
marked from the corner of Harbour Street by the Bayle Steps, by High Street,
Dover Road to Raglan Hotel, and thence over Radnor Bridge to the sea. Within
this area there are 920 houses, with a population approximately of 4,600, five
to a house; there are 42 on-licensed houses within the area, 36 full licences
and six beerhouses, giving a proportion of one on-licence to every 109
inhabitants within that area, while in the Borough at large the population is
one on-licence to every 326 of the population. There are also situated within
the area six licences for the sale of beer and spirits off the premises, one
refreshment house with a wine on-licence, and one wine off-licence, making a
total of 50 licences for the sale of drink by retail, being one licence to
every 92 persons within this area, against one to every 230 in the Borough at
large. There are also four registered clubs for the sale of drink, with a
membership of 898, within the area. During the year 1905, out of 183 charges of
drunkenness in the Borough, 93 arose within this congested area. The house in
question in the Providence Inn, Beach Street. The present licensee is Henry
Green, who obtained the transfer on the 2nd Sept., 1903. The
registered owners are Messrs. Flint and Co., of Canterbury. The rateable value
of the house is £20. This house forms one of a block of five in Beach Street,
four public houses and a shop. There are two entrances to this house, one on
each side. The accommodation of the public consists of two small compartments
and a tap room. The accommodation of the licensee is on the top floor. There
have been five transfers of this licence within the past seven years. Within a
radius of 100 yards there are 21 other on-licensed houses, within a radius of
130 yards there are 30 other on-licences, and within a radius of 200 yards 33
other on-licensed houses.
Mr. Mercer: Making a total of 63, or 33?
Witness: Thirty three. I consider the house unnecessary, and
accommodation for the public and licensee I consider to be the worst of the
houses in that particular block.
By Mr. Mercer: I do not know the exact trade; that is
impossible for a private individual to find out. Last year the same house was
before the Compensation Authority, and the licence renewed. The character and
conduct of the house is not objected to.
Mr. Mercer said the present tenant had been in the house a
number of years. The trade done, taking an average for 1902, was 136 barrels
and 52 gallons of spirits. The rent of the property was £12 per annum, but
because the rent was low, did that suggest that this house in particular should
go? If this house, why not the Little Wonder? Why not the Chequers? Why not the
South Foreland? He hoped the Bench would renew the licence.
The Chairman said the house would be referred to the Quarter
Sessions to be dealt with under the Compensation Act.
Folkestone Express
10-3-1906
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
The adjourned licensing sessions were held on Monday, when
the six licences which were adjourned from the Brewster Sessions were
considered. On the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col.
Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, and R.J. Linton Esqs.
The Providence
The next licence to be considered was the Providence. Mr.
Mercer appeared on behalf of Messrs. Flint and Co., Canterbury, the owners, and
also the tenant.
The Chief Constable said he would first put in a plan on
which he had marked the whole of the public houses in a congested area, which
was formed by a line from the Harbour, up High Street, along the Dover Road to
the Raglan Hotel, and then over Radnor Bridge to the sea. Within that area there
were 920 houses, with a population approximately of 4,500, five to a house.
There were 42 on-licensed houses within the area, being 36 fully-licensed and
six beer “on”, giving a proportion of one on licence to every 109 inhabitants
within that area, whilst for the borough at large the number was one to every
326 inhabitants. There were also situate within the area six licences for the
sale of beer, liquor, and spirits off the premises, one refreshment house with
a licence, and one off licence, making a total of 50 houses for the sale of
drink by retail, being one licence for every 92 persons within that area,
against one to every 230 in the borough. There were also four registered clubs
for the sale of drink, with a membership of 898, within the area. During the
year 1905, out of 183 charges of drunkenness, 93 arose within that congested
area. The house in question was the Providence Inn, situate in Beach Street. It
was opposed on the ground that the licence was not needed for the requirements
of the neighbourhood. The present licensee was Mr. Henry Green, who obtained a
transfer of the licence on September 2nd, 1903. The registered
owners were Messrs. Flint and Co. The rateable value of the house was £30. The
house formed one of a block of five in Beach Street, in which there were three
fully licensed and one beerhouse. There were two entrances to the house, one on
each side. The accommodation for the public consisted of two small compartments
and a tap room. The accommodation for the licensee was on the first floor.
There had been five transfers of the licence within the past seven years.
Within a radius of 100 yards there were 21 other licensed houses, within a
radius of 150 yards there were 30 other on licences, and within a radius of 200
yards there were 33 other on licences. The premises altogether were very small,
and the accommodation, both for the public and the licensee, he considered to
be the worst of the licensed houses in that particular block.
Cross-examined, the Chief Constable said the house was
objected to last year. It went before the Compensation Authority, who at their
preliminary meeting were willing to renew it. There was really no alteration in
the circumstances which existed last year, save that the Duke of Edinburgh had
been closed.
Mr. Mercer said the house was only tied for malt liquors.
The trade done averaged 137 barrels of beer and 52 gallons of spirits a year.
The rent of the property was £12 a year. Mr. Mercer commented upon the fact why
other houses were not objected to in the block, and considered that there
should be some evidence of differentiation. The only difference he could see in
the houses of the block was that his house did not occupy such a large amount
of ground space. There was not a word against the house; it had a good trade
and it was in a good position.
The Chairman said the justices had decided to refer the
licence to the Quarter Sessions.
Folkestone Herald
10-3-1906
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Monday, March 5th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman
W.G. Herbert, Mr. R.J. Linton, Mr. C.J. Pursey, and Mr. T. Ames.
The Providence
The case of the Providence Inn was next taken. Mr. R.M.
Mercer appeared for the owners (Messrs. Flint and Co.).
The Chief Constable, in the course of his evidence produced
a plan, on which he had marked the whole of the public houses. Within a certain
area there were 920 houses, with a population of approximately 4,600. There
were 62 on-licensed houses within the area, being 56 full licences and 6 beerhouses,
giving a proportion of two on-licences for every 109 inhabitants within the
congested area, whilst for the borough at large the proportion was one for
every 326 inhabitants. There were also situated within the area six licences
for the sale of beer, spirits, etc., off the premises, one refreshment house
with a wine on-licence, and one wine off-licence, making a total of 70 licences
for the sale of drink by retail, being two licences to every 92 persons within
the area, against 1to every 230 for the borough at large. There were also four
registered clubs for the sale of drink, with a membership of 898. During the
year 1905, out of 183 charges of drunkenness in the borough, 93 arose within
the congested area. The house in question, the Providence, was in Beach Street.
He opposed it on the ground that the licence was not needed for the
requirements of the neighbourhood. The present licensee was Henry Green, who
obtained a transfer of the licence on the 2nd September, 1903. The
rateable value of the house was £20. The house formed one of a block of five in
Beach Street. There were two entrances to the house, one on each side. The
accommodation consisted of two small compartments and a tap room. The
accommodation for the licensee was on the first floor. There had been five
transfers of the licence within the last seven years. Within a radius of 100
yards there were 21 other on licensed houses; within a radius of 150 yards
there were 30 other on licensed houses; and within a radius of 200 yards there
were 33 other on licensed houses. He considered the trade a small one. The
premises were altogether very small, and the accommodation for the licensee and
the public was, he considered, worse than that of any other licensed house in
that particular neighbourhood.
Cross-examined by Mr. Mercer: The house was objected to last
year. The compensation authority renewed the licence at their preliminary
meeting. There had not been sufficient time yet to judge whether drunkenness
had decreased in consequence of the closing of the houses the licences of which
had already been taken away.
Mr. Mercer addressed the Bench on behalf of the owners. The
house, he said, was a fully licensed one, only tied for malt liquors. The
average trade was 136 barrels of beer. The bar was altered last year at a cost
of some £50, which the owners spent. Why were not the other houses objected to
close by? Why should that one be singled out? The Magistrates were bound to
have a principle of differentiation. They could not shut up houses without some
reason. The Master of the Rolls had said it was contrary to common justice that
one house should be selected out of a mass of houses. There must be evidence.
There was no evidence here of differentiation at all. He did not protest
against it; it was unfair.
The Chairman said the house would be referred to Quarter
Sessions.
Folkestone
Daily News 1-10-1906
Canterbury Licensing Sessions
At the Canterbury Licensing Sessions today the question
of the renewal of the licences of The Hope, The Tramway, The Providence, and
The Blue Anchor came up for hearing. Lord Harris presided. The Folkestone
Licensing Justices were represented by Mr. T. Matthew, instructed by Mr. H.B.
Bradley.
The case occupied some time, and eventually the
justices unanimously decided not to grant the renewal of either of the
licences, but to uphold and confirm the decision of the Folkestone Licensing
Bench.
The question of compensation will come up for
consideration at a later date.
Folkestone Express
6-10-1906
Local News
On Monday last the East Kent Licensing Bench at Canterbury
considered the question of renewing the licences of the Providence, the Hope,
the Tramway Tavern, and the Blue Anchor, public houses referred to them by the
Folkestone licensing justices. In each case they decided to refuse the granting
of the licence, and the next matter for them to consider will be how much
compensation is to be paid to the brewers and holders of the licences for the
closing of the houses.
Folkestone Herald
6-10-1906
Local News
The Compensation Authority for East Kent sat at Canterbury
on Monday and Tuesday last, Lord Harris presiding.
Amongst the 31 houses scheduled, there were four from
Folkestone. These were; The Providence, Blue Anchor, the Hope, and the Tramway.
In the cases of the Blue Anchor and the Tramway, the owners
and tenants did not seek for renewals, but the owners of the Providence and the
Hope sought for renewals.
In these cases Mr. H.B. Matthew appeared for the Licensing
Justices of Folkestone in opposition to the renewals, and Mr. R.M. Mercer, of
Canterbury, appeared for the owners and tenants.
Mr. H. Reeve (Chief Constable) stated that in the case of
the Providence it was in close proximity to other licensed houses, and in fact
comprised one of a block of four public houses in a very small area. The
accommodation and the trade done were both very small, and the house had been
transferred five times during the last seven years. It was a stuffy little
place, and the central bar so placed that the licensee could not have
supervision over the whole of the bar.
In reply to Mr. Mercer, witness said the house was referred
back last year, and then renewed. The rateable value was £32.
Mr. Mercer: You told the Committee there had been five
transfers in seven years. You might have said five in thirty seven, as one
tenant was there for 30 years. Have you attacked the Royal George? – Not yet,
sir. (Laughter)
Why not? – Because it is a better house than this.
Detective Sergt. Burniston said the trade done was of a very
poor class.
Mr. Mercer spoke of the other houses in the block having
been withdrawn, and the Providence ought to remain, as it was the oldest in the
neighbourhood.
The Committee declined to grant the application.
On Tuesday the Committee fixed the compensation of the
Tramway at £894, the owners to have £745, and the tenant £149.
In the cases of the Providence, Blue Anchor and the Hope,
the fixing of the compensation was adjourned to a subsequent meeting.
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