Folkestone
Express 13-2-1915
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 10th: Before E.T. Ward
Esq., Colonel Owen, R.J. Linton, W.J. Harrison, J. Stainer, and R.G. Wood Esqs.
The Chief Constable reported as follows: Gentlemen, I
have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction
115 places licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor by retail, viz.: Full
licences 71, beer on 7, beer off 6, beer and spirit dealers 15, grocers, etc.,
off 7, confectioners wine on 3, chemists wine off 6; Total 115.
This gives an average, according to the Census of 1911,
of one licence to every 291 persons, or one on licence to every 429 persons.
At the adjourned general annual licensing meeting held
on the 9th March last, the licence of the Lord Nelson Inn, Radnor
Street, was referred to the Compensation Committee on the grounds of
redundancy, and at the principal meeting of the Compensation Committee held at
Canterbury on the 8th July last the licence was refused, and after
payment of compensation the house was closed for the sale of drink on the 31st
December last.
During the year nine of the licences have been
transferred. Three occasional licences have been granted for the sale of drink
on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and thirteen extensions of
the usual time of closing have been granted to licence holders on special
occasions.
During the year ended 31st December last 96
persons (64 males and 32 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness, of
whom 65 were convicted and 31 discharged. In the preceding year 71 persons (48
males and 23 females) were proceeded against, of whom 49 were convicted and 22
discharged. Of those proceeded against, 40 were residents of the borough, 28
persons of no fixed abode, 11 soldiers, etc., and 17 residents of other
districts.
Special attention has been paid by the police in
supervising the licensed houses, and I am pleased to report that in no instance
has it been found necessary to take proceedings for any breach of the licensing
laws.
Twelve clubs where intoxicating liquor is served are
registered in accordance with the Act. Proceedings were taken against the
secretary of one club for failing to supply the necessary particulars to the
Clerk of the Justices, but owing to the explanation given the case was
dismissed.
There are 17 places licensed for music and dancing,
eight for music only, and eight for public billiard playing.
At a special meeting of the licensing justices held on
the 8th September last, an order was made under the Intoxicating
Liquor, Temporary Restriction, Act, 1914, suspending the sale or consumption of
any intoxicating in licensed premises and registered clubs at 9 p.m. Daily.
On 21st December last an order was made by
the General Officer Commanding at Shorncliffe, under the Defence of the Realm
Regulations, ordering the closing of licensed premises in the borough at 8 p.m.
Daily.
At the outbreak of War a large number of troops were
drafted into the district, and for several weeks past a large number have been
billeted in the town, and I am pleased to report that their conduct has so far
been most exemplary.
I offer no objection to the renewal of any of the
present licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally being
conducted in a satisfactory manner.
There are no applications for new licences to be made
at these Sessions.
The Chairman: Very satisfactory indeed. We are glad to
hear there has been no necessity to take proceedings against any of the licence
holders. The number of cases of drunkenness is rather larger than last year.
The Chief Constable: There is a slight increase.
The Chairman: Is that accounted for by the enormous
number of people we have had in the town?
The Chief Constable: I don`t think so, sir. It seems to
be general throughout the country, I think.
The Chairman: All the licences will be renewed as
usual.
Folkestone
Herald 13-2-1915
Annual Licensing Sessions
Wednesday, February 10th: Before Mr. E.T.
Ward, Mr. J. Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. R.J. Linton, Councillor R.G. Wood,
Councillor W.J. Harrison, and Col. G.P. Owen.
The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) presented his
report. (For details see Folkestone Express)
The Chairman said the report was very satisfactory
generally. He was glad to hear that there had been no necessity to take
proceedings against any house. He noticed that the proceedings for drunkenness
numbered more than in the previous year.
The Chief Constable: Yes, sir. There is a slight
increase.
The Chairman: Is that because of the enormous number of
people in the town?
The Chief Constable: I don`t think so, sir; it seems to
be general throughout the country.
The Chairman announced that all the licences would be
renewed as usual.
Folkestone
Express 10-7-1915
Local News
A new Order has been issued by Lieut. General C.L.
Woollcombe C.B., commanding 2nd Army, with regard to the closing of
public houses. By it all licensed premises are to be closed with respect to
members of H.M. Forces for the purpose of the sale and consumption of
intoxicating liquors between the hours of 9 p.m. and 12 noon, and between the
hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Order comes in to force today (Saturday), and
all previous Orders made by the competent military authorities are therefore
cancelled. The new Order means that all licensed premises will be able to keep
open an hour longer than they have been able to do for some months.
Folkestone
Express 24-7-1915
Local News
The Folkestone Licensing Justices, at a special meeting
on Saturday morning, acting upon the recommendation of the Chief Constable,
under the Intoxicating Liquors Temporary Restriction Act, 1914, made an order
suspending the sale of intoxicating liquor in all licensed premises and clubs
within the Borough from 8 p.m. every day, and from 2 till 6 on Saturday
afternoons.
There is an exception made in favour of bona fide
guests dining or lunching in hotels or restaurants between the hours of 8 and 9
in the evening and between the hours of 2 and 3 on Saturday afternoon.
The Magistrates` proposals have been submitted to the
Home Secretary, whose approval is necessary before they cane be put into
operation. It is anticipated that his sanction will be received before the end
of the week.
Folkestone
Herald 31-7-1915
Local News
Yesterday the new order made by the Folkestone
Licensing Justices under the Intoxicating Liquors (Temporary Restriction) Act
came into force, having received the sanction of the Home Secretary. Under this
order the sale of intoxicating liquors in all licensed premises and clubs
within the borough is suspended from eight p.m. every day, and from two till 6
p.m. on Saturday afternoons. An exception is made in favour of bona fide guests
dining or lunching in hotels and restaurants between eight and nine p.m. each
day, and between two and three p.m. on Saturdays.
Folkestone
Herald 28-8-1915
Local News
A fresh military order with respect to the sale of intoxicating liquor
has been issued and is now in force. It will be noticed that members of the
V.T.C. are included for the first time in the restrictions set forth, which
only apply to five days of the week, Monday to Friday, the remaining days,
Saturday and Sunday, being provided for by the regulation of the Justices under
the Intoxicating Liquor (Temporary Restriction) Act, 1914. The text of the
Order is as follows:
By virtue of the powers conferred on my under Regulation 10 of the
Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, 1914, I, Lieut. General C.L.
Woollcombe, C.B., Commanding 2nd Army, Central Force, being a
competent Military Authority under the said Regulations, do hereby order that
on or after the twenty first day of August, 1915, all premises licensed for the
sale of intoxicating liquor by retail within the area of The County of Kent
(South of the Metropolitan Police Boundary), exclusive of Thames and Medway
Defences, the Dover Defences, and Woolwich Garrison be closed as respects
members of His Majesty`s Forces, and as respects Civilians, all persons wearing
a military uniform, such as members of the Volunteer Training Corps, Home
Protection Brigades and National Guards, for the purpose of the sale and
consumption of intoxicating liquor, either on or off the premises, except
between the hours of 12 noon and 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Weekdays;
and between the hours of 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on
Sundays.
I do further order that all licensed premises in the said area be closed
at all hours as respects all wounded, injured, or convalescent members of His Majesty`s
Forces, whether clothed in blue Hospital uniform or not.
I do further order that the sale in any licensed premises of intoxicating
liquor in bottles or other receptacles by retail to members of His Majesty`s
Forces, or any person acting on their behalf, for consumption by members of His
Majesty`s Forces off the premises is prohibited at all times.
I do further order that all previous orders under Regulation 10 within
the above-mentioned area are hereby cancelled from twelve noon on the twenty first
day of August, 1915.
This Order does not apply to Clubs which can only be dealt with by the
Licensing Justices under the Intoxicating Liquor (Temporary Restriction) Act,
1914, and any order made by them remains unaffected by this Order.
This Order does not in any way hinder the sale of non-intoxicants and
food to the persons affected thereby during any time the premises may be kept
open under the general provisions of the Licensing Acts.
This Order does not apply to the serving of persons affected thereby
actually residing or billeted in licensed premises, or guests at meals during
such meals, although taken within the prohibited hours.
This Order does not restrict the execution of orders received by licensed
victuallers who are also wine merchants in ordinary course of business as such.
The words “members of His Majesty`s Forces” include officers and other
ranks of both Navy and the Army.
This Order strictly applies to all men on pass or furlough.
This Order is not subject to any exceptions with respect to bona fide
travellers or railway stations as regards the sale of intoxicating liquor.
The terms of this Order cannot be varied except by myself, and a copy of
it must be kept permanently affixed in some conspicuous place in all licensed
premises.
Given under my hand the twelfth day of August, 1915.
Folkestone
Herald 30-10-1915
Local News
It is rumoured that the authorities contemplate putting
into force in the borough and district a “no treating order”.
In a case before the Magistrates this week, it was
stated that the defendant had been treated by friends, whereupon the Chief
Constable remarked that that showed the necessity of a “no treating order”.
Folkestone
Herald 6-11-1915
Local News
Coming restrictions on the sale of drink to women
in Folkestone were foreshadowed at the Police Court on Monday, before Mr J.
Stainer, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Alderman W. Dunk.
Annnie Goldsmith was charged
with being drunk and incapable in Harbour Street on Saturday evening about 8.40. She pleaded guilty. P.C.
Fry gave evidence. Prisoner said she was very sorry.
The Chairman said they
hoped that in a few days there would
be restrictions for preventing women getting drink. They had had too many cases
of drunkenness amongst women during the past
few months. From the newspapers they knew
that drunkenness was diminishing amongst women in other towns, but he doubted it was so in Folkestone.
Prisoner was discharged on promising to leave the
town.
Folkestone
Express 1-1-1916
Military Order
The new order of the Central Control Board (Liquor
Traffic) for the Shorncliffe Area comes into operation on January 10th
next.
Outstanding points in the new Regulations are that
there can be no treating, and that the hours during which intoxicating liquor
may be sold or supplied in any licensed premises or club shall be further
restricted on weekdays, the hours being between 12 noon and 2.30, and between 6
p.m. and 8 p.m. Credit is absolutely prohibited, and no orders for spirits to
be consumed off the premises shall be given by or accepted from any person
except on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between the
hours of 12 noon and 2.30.
Any person contravening any provision of the Order of the
Liquor Control Regulations is liable to imprisonment for six months with hard
labour and a fine of £100.
The specific terms of the new Order are as follows:
We, the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), in
pursuance of the powers conferred upon us by the Acts and Regulations relating
to the Defence of the Realm, hereby make the following Order:
Limits of Area
1) The area to which this Order applies is the
Shorncliffe area, being the boroughs of Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Hythe, Lydd,
New Romney and Sandwich, and the Petty Sessional divisions of Ashford, Deal,
Elham, Romney Marsh and Wingham, in the County of Kent.
Hours during which intoxicating liquor may be sold
2) The hours during which intoxicating liquor may be
sold or supplied in any licensed premises or club shall be restricted, and be
as follows: On weekdays between 12 noon and 2.30 p.m., and between 6 p.m. and 8
p.m. On Sundays, the hours between 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., and 6 p.m. and 8
p.m. Except between the aforesaid hours no person shall: (a) Either by himself
or by any servant or agent sell or supply to any person or club or (except as
hereinafter expressly provided) dispatch therefrom any intoxicating liquor to
be consumed either on or off the premises; or (by) consume in or take from any
such premises or club any intoxicating liquor; or (c) permit any person to
consume in or take from any such premises or club any intoxicating liquor.
Additional restrictions as to spirits
3) In addition to the above general restrictions as to
hours during which intoxicating liquor may be sold or supplied, the sale of
spirits in licensed premises and clubs shall be subject to the following
special regulations, that is to say: (a) No orders for spirits to be consumed
off the premises shall be given by or accepted from any person actually present
in any licensed premises or club, except on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays between the hours of 12 noon and 2.30.; (b) spirits to be
consumed off the premises must not (except as hereinafter expressly provided)
be dispatched from any licensed premises or club, nor must they be taken
therefrom by the person to whom they are sold or supplied or by any person
acting on his behalf, except on the days and during the hours aforesaid; (c)
spirits to be consumed off the premises shall not be sold or supplied in or
taken from any licensed premises or club in any bottle or other vessel not
bearing a label showing the name and situation of the premises or club, or in
any vessel of a capacity less than one reputed quart, or in any less quantity
than one reputed quart or in any open vessel; (d) no spirits to be consumed off
the premises shall be sold or supplied in or taken from any refreshment room in
any railway station.
Conditions as to distribution
4) No person shall by himself or by any servant or
agent: (a) Sell, supply, distribute or deliver any intoxicating liquor from any
van, barrow, basket or other vehicle or receptacle unless before the liquor is
dispatched it has been ordered and the quantity, description and price thereof
together with the name and address of the person to whom it is to be delivered
has been entered in a delivery book or invoice, which shall be carried by the
person delivering the liquor, and in a day book which shall be kept on the
premises from which the liquor is dispatched. (b) Carry or convey in any van,
barrow, basket or other vehicle or receptacle while in use for the distribution
or delivery of intoxicating liquor, any such liquor not entered in such
delivery book or invoice and day book. (c) Distribute or deliver any
intoxicating liquor at any address not specified in such delivery book or
invoice and day book. (d) Refuse to allow any constable to examine such van,
barrow, basket or other vehicle or receptacle or such delivery book or invoice.
(e) Authorise or permit any person employed to deliver, distribute or take or
solicit orders for intoxicating liquor to receive or make any payment in
respect of intoxicating liquor, or, being a person so employed, receive or make
any such payment on behalf of any other person.
Hours of opening for the supply of food and
non-intoxicants
5) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Order or of
the law relating to licensing or the sale of intoxicating liquor: (a) Licensed
premises and refreshment houses may be kept open for the supply of food and
non-intoxicating liquor at any time during which they may be kept open under
the general provisions of the Licensing Act, and (b) licensed premises may be
opened for this purpose at the hour of 5.30 in the morning.
Saving Provisions
6) Nothing in the foregoing provisions of this Order
shall be deemed to prohibit, in cases where the same is otherwise lawful (a)
the consumption of intoxicating liquor by any person in any licensed premises
or club where he is residing; or (b) the sale or supply of spirits to any
person producing a certificate in writing dated and signed by a duly qualified
medical practitioner that the spirits are immediately required for medicinal
purposes and specifying the quantity of spirits required, provided that the
quantity sold or supplied shall not exceed the quantity specified in such
certificate; or (c) the dispatch from licensed premises for delivery at a place
more than five miles distant of any spirits or intoxicating liquor in the
forenoon of any day on which the sale of the same for consumption off the
premises is permitted by Article 2 and Article 3 of this Order as the case may
be.
Treating Prohibited
7) No person shall either by himself or by any servant
or agent sell or supply any intoxicating liquor to any person in any licensed
premises for consumption on the premises unless the same is ordered and paid
for the person so supplied; nor shall any person order or pay for or lend or
advance money to pay for any intoxicating liquor wherewith any other person has
been or is to be supplied for consumption on the premises; nor shall any person
consume in any licensed premises or club any intoxicating liquor which any
person has ordered or paid for or agreed to pay for or lent or advanced money
to pay for.
Provided that if such intoxicating liquor is supplied
or served for consumption at a meal supplied at the same time and is consumed
at such meal the provisions of this regulation shall not be deemed to be
contravened if the person who pays for such meal also pays for such
intoxicating liquor.
For the purposes of this regulation consumption on the
premises includes consumption of intoxicating liquor in or on any highway, open
ground or railway station adjoining or near to the licensed premises or club in
which the liquor was sold or supplied, and any such person consuming
intoxicating liquor in or on any such highway or open ground or railway station
shall be deemed to consume the liquor in such licensed premises or club as the
case may be.
Credit forbidden
8) No person shall: (1) (a) Either by himself or by any
servant or agent sell or supply in any licensed premises or club or dispatch
therefrom any intoxicating liquor to be consumed either on or off the premises;
or (b) consume any intoxicating liquor in or take it from such premises or
club, unless it is paid for before or at the time when it is supplied or
dispatched or taken away. Provided always that if the liquor is sold of
supplied for consumption at a meal supplied at the same time and is consumed at
such meal, this provision shall not be presumed to be contravened if the price
of the liquor is paid together with the price of such meal, and before the
person partaking thereof quits the premises. (2) Introduce or cause to be
introduced into the area any intoxicating liquor unless it is paid for before
it is so introduced.
Long Pull prohibited
9) No person shall either by himself or by any servant
or agent in any licensed premises or club sell or supply to any person as the
measure of intoxicating liquor for which he asks an amount exceeding that
measure.
Dilution of spirits
10) The sale of whisky, brandy and rum reduced to a
number of degrees under proof which falls between 25 and 35, and of gin reduced
to a number of degrees under proof which falls between 35 and 45 is hereby
permitted, and accordingly, in determining whether an offence has been
committed under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts by selling to the prejudice of
the purchaser brandy, whisky, rum or gin not adulterated otherwise than by the
admixture of water it shall be a good defence to prove that such admixture has
not reduced the spirit more than 35 degrees under proof in the case of whisky,
brandy and rum or 45 degrees under proof in the case of gin.
Explanatory Provisions
11) (a) Nothing in this order authorises any licensed
premises to be kept open for the sale of intoxicating liquor except during the
hours now permitted by law. (b) The prohibition under this Order of the sale,
supply or consumption of intoxicating liquor except during certain hours is not
subject to the exceptions provided for in the Licensing Acts with respect to
bona fide travellers and the supply of intoxicating liquor at railway stations,
or any other provisions in those Acts enabling intoxicating liquor to be
supplied during closing hours in special cases. (c) The expression “licensed
premises” includes any premises or place where the sale of intoxicating liquor
is carried on under a licence. (d) This Order does not affect the sale or
dispatch of intoxicating liquor to a trader for the purposes of his trade or to
a registered club for the purposes of the club. (e) This Order does not affect
the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor to or in any canteen where the sale
of intoxicating liquor is carried on under the authority of a Secretary of
State or of the Admiralty.
Exhibition of the Order
12) The secretary of every Club to which this Order
applies and every holder of a licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor shall
keep permanently affixed in some conspicuous place in the Club or in each
public room of the licensed premises a copy of this Order and any other notice
required by the Board to be so affixed.
Folkestone
Express 15-1-1916
Wednesday, January 12th: Before E.T. Ward,
Lieut. Col. Fynmore, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, G. Boyd, R.G. Wood, E.T.
Morrison and J.J. Giles Esqs.
The Chief Constable (Mr. Reeve) said he would like to
make an application with regard to the Magistrates` Order concerning the
closing of public houses on Saturday. The licensed houses previous to January
10th were open on Saturdays for soldiers between 12 o`clock and 2
o`clock on the Justices` Order. Now the Liquor Control Board had made an Order
closing public houses in the daytime except from 12 o`clock to 2.30. He
therefore strongly recommended the justices to amend their Order so as to
comply with the Liquor Control Board`s Order.
The Chairman: You suggest that the two Orders be
similar?
The Chief Constable: Yes, I think it would be better if
you could see your way to amend the Order.
The Chairman announced that the Magistrates thought it
would be better that both Orders should deal with the same hours.
The Magistrates subsequently decided, acting upon the
above recommendation, to amend the Order made by them on the 17th
July last under the Intoxicating Liquor (Temporary Restriction) Act, of 1914, in
the following respect: The suspension of
the sale, for consumption, of intoxicating liquor on Saturdays will in future
operate as from 2.30 instead of 2 o`clock, thus bringing the Justices` Order in
line with the recent Order of the Liquor Control Board. It is important to
observe, however, that the provision of the Justices` Order in the case of
persons lunching or dining in any hotel or restaurant between the hours of 2
and 3 o`clock on Saturdays is
Folkestone
Express 19-2-1916
Notice
Colonel R. Burns-Begg, the Town Commandant, has during
the past few days issued the following notice.
Attention is called to the following extract from
Regulation 40 of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, 1914,
issued under Order in Council on 27th January, 1916.
“If any person gives, sells, procures or supplies, or
offers to give, sell, procure or supply, any intoxicant to or for any member of
His Majesty`s Forces when proceeding to a port for embarkation on board ship,
or when at any port for that purpose, he shall be guilty of a summary offence
against these regulations”.
revoked.
Folkestone
Herald 30-9-1916
Editorial
It is sometimes said that the licensed victuallers as a
whole are allowing a good opportunity to pass without taking advantage of it.
The Liquor Control Order does not stipulate that they shall only open their
premises for two and a half hours at midday and two hours in the evening.
During the rest of the day they may not sell alcoholic drinks, but they can
keep open and sell non-alcoholic refreshments. The vast majority of licensed
houses, however, only open their doors during those periods of the day when
they can serve customers with strong drink. One or two have adapted themselves
to the changed conditions of the times, and during prohibited hours remain open
for the sale of tea, coffee, meat extracts, minerals, etc. In the opinion of
some people, the majority of publicans, who only open when there is no
restriction as to what they may supply, are making a mistake. It is suggested that
they would be wiser were they to make an effort to broaden the base of their
businesses and cater for a larger section of the community. Doubtless there is
something to be said on the other side, but one cannot help thinking that it is
worthwhile to make an experiment. Another aspect of the question was touched
upon at a sitting of the East Kent Appeal Tribunal at Canterbury, when a
publican admitted that he did not open his house for general refreshment
purposes, but only during the hours in which the sale of intoxicants was
permitted. On being asked for his reasons, he replied that he was afraid that
if he did open at other times the police would think that he was selling
intoxicants. Thereupon Lord Harris remarked “You are granted a licence on the
ground that you keep your house open for the convenience of the public, and yet
you calmly close up your premises, although that is the reason – the
convenience of the public – that you are granted a licence. I think that the
licensed victuallers are taking a very great risk in shutting up their houses
in the way they are”. It may be urged that “it would not pay” to keep open
merely for the sale of “light refreshments”, but up to the present very few, at
any rate in this district, have put the matter to the test.
Folkestone
Express 24-2-1917
Local News
At the Folkestone Police Court on Friday, following the
decision in a case against a licensee (which is reported elsewhere), Captain G.
Aylwen, the new A.P.M. said it was fair to let the publicans know that,
although he was not here to make trouble, if he found trouble he would take it
in both hands. As a result of his observations during the past week, he had
found that there was a large amount of drunkenness which was never detected and
which never came before the Magistrates, but with which the Military had to
deal. And drunkenness led to other things which were recognised as being very
serious. Men – quite decent fellows – came over here, never having had a drink
before, and got into some public houses where there appeared to be absolutely
no supervision. They came out mad drunk, were taken to the Guard Room, and time
and time again his police had very great trouble in dealing with them. If the
publicans were willing to cooperate with him he would always send military
police; but what could he do unless the publicans applied to him? He would like
to point out that under the Police Standing Orders, military policemen did not
enter a public house unless they were sent for, and unless he or his assistant
“looked for trouble” there was no supervision. His assistant, Lieut. Holmes,
was looking for trouble on the occasion referred to in the case which had just
been decided, and that was the line he (Captain Aylwen) would take up. He wanted
to help the publicans in every way, but, in return, they must help him. In this
town there were a certain number of troops every night, and it was difficult to
deal with that number when so many had never been used to drinking. It was
pretty obvious that the extent of drunkenness was large, and it also went to
prove there was a large amount of drinking outside public houses. Therefore he
would appeal to publicans to keep some sort of check on liquor which was taken
out by people who kept houses and shops, because it often fell back on the
publicans.
Councillor Boyd: That means other licences?
Captain Aylwen: It means any premises, such as cafes
and places where liquor is consumed.
Continuing, the officer said he thought a man should be
told off to supervise at each public house. The publicans were making money as
they had never done before, and there was no increase of staff. It was up to
the publicans to put someone in authority and see that the thing was carried
out.
The Chairman of the Bench (Mr. G.I. Swoffer) said the
Magistrates were pleased to hear Captain Aylwen`s remarks, and the Bench were
willing to support him in every way possible. The licensed victuallers, being
sensible men, would do the same.
Folkestone
Express 3-3-1917
Local News
An important conference was held at the Town Hall
yesterday (Thursday) between the new Assistant Provost Marshal (Capt. G.
Aylwen) and the licensed victuallers of the district. The meeting had been
called by the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Association, the
Chairman of which organisation, Mr. J.H. Kent, presided. He was supported by
Capt. Aylwen, Lieut. Holmes, Messrs. Albert Hart (secretary), E. Bishop, R.
Smiles, Clarke and Jones. There was a very large attendance, including many
ladies.
The Chairman, in his opening remarks, said the
gathering was the result of a meeting they had had with Captain Aylwen a few
days ago, when several points in connection with the Liquor Control Order and
also the wishes of the Town Commandant were discussed. Captain Aylwen then told
them that many clauses of the Order were being evaded in this town. Therefore
the Association decided to call this meeting, and Captain Aylwen was asked if
he would address them, explaining what the wishes of the Town Commandant were.
The points at issue were: 1) The No Treating Order; 2) Drunkenness; 3) Serving
women in the same bars as soldiers; and 4) Serving Overseas men.
Now, he (the speaker) was informed that the No Treating
Order was being considerably evaded, and Captain Aylwen had pointed out that
such evasions had to be put a stop to, if it was possible to do it, because
drunkenness arose from the practice. They probably had a number of men sitting
at the back of the bar, and one man called for drinks for three or four men. It
was impossible, under such circumstances, for the licensee to know whether one
of those men sitting at the back had had sufficient to drink or not, with the
consequence that when “Time” was called, very often the Military Police found
drunken men turned out of some of the houses in the town.
As to the question of serving women, members of the
Association were asked to wait upon the Town commandant, who gave them a list
of several houses where women were served in the same bar as soldiers. Although
the Military Authorities had no power to stop licensed victuallers serving
women, yet they had power to put a house out of bounds if the licensee
continued to serve women in the same bars as soldiers, and against the wishes
of the Military. However, they had no objection to a bar being set aside for
the serving of woman, but at the same time, they really advised that no woman
should be served in licensed houses after six o`clock at night. Midday they did
not object to so much. After the Licensing Sessions an impromptu meeting of the
Association was called at the Town Hall, and the members present were given a
verbal warning as to what the consequences would be if they continued to serve
woman in the same bars as soldiers. He was pleased to say that since that
warning a number had refrained from serving women in the same bars, and were
carrying on the business to the satisfaction of the Military Police.
The fourth point was the serving of “Overseas” men Here
they had a most difficult question to deal with. It was a very hard thing to
distinguish “Overseas” men from the ordinary soldiers. They had heard cases
when “Overseas” men had borrowed Canadian soldiers` caps and had then gone into
the bar for the purpose of obtaining a drink, knowing that they could not be
served as “Overseas” men. The week before last a number of houses were reported
for serving “Overseas” men, but only three houses were summoned. When he heard
this, he (Mr. Kent) got on the phone to Captain Aylwen, who, desiring to be as
fair as possible, said the houses summoned could give no reasonable answer as
to why the men were served, but the other houses gave a reasonable reply; in
fact the men served themselves stated the question was asked as to whether they
were “Overseas” men, and they said they were not. In these cases the men were
punished. But that did not alter the fact that, in his opinion, he thought the
Military might help them probably a great deal more than they did with regard
to these men. It had been suggested that they should have some distinguishing
badge, or, on the other hand, that they should be kept in during the times the
licensed houses were open. But Captain Aylwen informed them that if a licensee
had any doubt about a man who, on being asked if he was “Overseas”, said “No”,
he should desire to see his pass, and if he had no pass to show, the licensee,
to be on the safe side, should refuse him altogether. As Mr. Mowll pointed out
in the Police Court last Friday, it was a question of absolute prohibition for
these men, and that asking the question whether they were “Overseas” or not did
not cover the landlord at all. Continuing, Mr. Kent said he would like to thank
Captain Aylwen for attending, and to announce that the officer would be
prepared to answer any reasonable question which might be put to him. He further
desired to explain that Captain Aylwen did not wish them to think that he was
there for the purpose of trying to teach them their business, but for the
purpose of regulating the Liquor Traffic among the military, and he had made up
his mind he was going to do it.
Captain G. Aylwen said that morning he had received an
anonymous letter asking whether he expected the publicans to listen to his
“lecture”, and whether he was to “learn” them their business. Well, that sort
of thing cut no ice, and it would have been better if the writer had attended
to ask him questions. Proceeding, Captain Aylwen said he wanted to help them,
but, at the same time, he must be plain and tell them that there were a certain
number of people in the town who kept “both eyes on the till”. He had been
there only a short time, but he had inspected certain places, and there was no
doubt there were people who, as long as they raked in the shekels, did not care
for very much else. They were the people he wanted to get at.
As to the “Overseas” men, the question had been asked
“Why should these men not have one drink?” There were about 70 public houses
here, and if all publicans were as generous, a man might have some 70 drinks
inside of him. That, of course, would be pretty quick work in two hours, but
that was the idea. He thoroughly appreciated the difficulties, but it was not a
Regulation framed in Folkestone. It had come down from London, and it was his
job to carry it out to the best of his ability. It was not his intention to
prosecute every house which served “Overseas” men, if the landlords “played the
game” and took all reasonable care to see that the men were properly
questioned. If the licensees had any doubt they had only to send outside for
the Military Police or pickets, who would take any further responsibility off
their hands. Having taken all reasonable care, he was out to meet them in every
way he could. He was not here to go “round the pubs” and just look for trouble
all the time, but when he was out he was looking for trouble. He wanted that
understood.
Replying to a question as to whether the men could not
be kept in Barracks during the two hours, Captain Aylwen said the “Overseas”
men were allowed out from 2.30 to 5 and from 8 till 9.30. It was the men who
got out without leave or who did not return at 5 o`clock that they were “up
against”, but there could not be very many of them.
A licensee, who said he was in the Army for 26 years,
declared that he had asked the men if they were for “Overseas”, and they had
told him lies.
Captain Aylwen said there were pickets patrolling
practically every street, and if licensees would not take the trouble to send
out for the Military Police, he could do no more.
Asked whether the Order applied to non-commissioned
officers, etc., Captain Aylwen referred the enquirer to the Defence of the
Realm Regulation dealing with this question, which states specifically “Supply
any intoxicant to or for a member of any of His Majesty`s Forces”. It further
appeared that no officer for “Overseas” could be supplied with intoxicating
liquor with his meals.
Dealing with the question of Treating, the Officer said
he was not speaking on hearsay evidence. He had been in public houses and had
seen liquor taken from the counter and given to men. If publicans allowed that,
they deserved every bit of punishment they got for flying in the face of a very
strict regulation. If licensees said they did not know, he said they should
know it. Men sitting at the back of bars were ladled out with drink in some
public houses, and when it came to turning-out time, were suddenly discovered
to be “blind”, and had to be helped out. In cases like that he said there could
be no supervision.
“Is treating still allowed on the Camp?” the Captain
was asked.
“No, it is not” responded the Officer.
“That”, remarked a licensee, “is where I have the
biggest trouble. They say treating is still allowed on the Camp”.
“It is certainly against the Regulations”, said Captain
Aylwen, “and any infringement is severely punished. Let me know of any man who
makes that statement”.
“Here”, said the licensee, “is a canteen steward, and
he says he can prove it”.
“Take his name!” said Captain Aylwen to Lieut. Holmes.
Next the officer touched upon the question of women in
bars, appealing earnestly to the licensees to have them out after 6 o`clock,
and remarking that personally he would prefer to see them out of the public
houses altogether.
Replying to a question, he said the rule should also
apply to a civilian and his wife.
The questioner said if old people who had sons in the
Army or Navy could not be together it seemed very hard, and it made some of the
old people cry.
Captain Aylwen: It is hard, but there are a lot of
things which are hard. If these people have sons in the Army or Navy, and you
explain the position to them, they will appreciate it.
The Questioner: Well, I`m afraid they don`t.
Captain Aylwen went on to say that if he found
drunkenness on licensed premises he would not wait for a conviction; he would
at once make a request for the house to be placed out of bounds.
Replying to a further question as to the serving of
“Overseas” men, the Captain said he was not out to get convictions; he did want
the publicans to understand that. If there was the slightest doubt in a case,
the publican had the benefit of it.
Mr. J.G. Smiles mentioned the question of supplying
troops with bottles, and spoke of the precautions he had taken.
Captain Aylwen declared that there were a number of
houses in Folkestone which the Authorities were trying very hard to trace – and
God help them if they did! At these houses liquor was supplied to soldiers, and
he would be very grateful for any information as to where an undue amount of
liquor was sent.
A gentleman suggested that in 99 cases out of 100 it
was not public houses which supplied this liquor, an observation which was
greeted with a round of applause.
Captain Aylwen said his remarks also applied to
grocers` licences and off licences.
The gentleman: Yes! Now you have it!
The Chairman, in bringing the meeting to a close,
observed that as the Captain had said, he was here to help the licensed
victuallers all he possibly could if they would use their best endeavours to
help, and try to comply with the wishes of the Town Commandant and the Liquor
Control Order. It had further been suggested that as the consumption of liquor
was to be cut down, there would not be much opportunity of getting drunk, and
therefore the work of the Military Police would be considerably curtailed.
Folkestone
Express 26-5-1917
Local News
Several licensed houses this week in Folkestone have
before closing time in the evening been sold out of beer.
Folkestone
Herald 16-6-1917
Felix
There were lamentations in the Cheriton district on
Saturday night last. The White Lion had “gone dry” of fivepence per pint beer.
Customers could have a glass of bottled Canterbury ale for fourpence, but that
was too much even for Canadians, and so it came about that several Maple Leaf
boys and others boarded the buses for Folkestone, only to find that other
“Kentish sherry” establishments had “gone dry” also.
Folkestone
Express 5-1-1918
Local News
The Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers`
Association have suggested to their members and the trade generally the wish
that they should voluntarily close their houses all day on Sunday next.
Folkestone
Express 27-7-1918
Letter
Sir,
Will you kindly allow us, through your columns, to ask
all licence holders in the Parliamentary Borough to close their licensed
premises all day on Sunday, August 4th, 1918?
You are no doubt aware that it is the King`s wish that
this day should be set apart for intercession for the success of the Allied
Arms, and it is the desire of our parent Associations in London that all public
houses throughout the country should be closed that day as a mark of respect
and sympathy with that object.
Yours faithfully,
W.P. Clarke, Chairman,
A. Hart, Secretary.
Folkestone
Herald 8-3-1919
Local News
On the agenda for the meeting of the Folkestone Town
Council on Wednesday last was the following motion in the name of Councillor J.
Jones: That a request be made to the Liquor Traffic Control Board to extend the
opening hours of premises licensed for the sale of excisable liquors till 9
p.m. in this Borough, in accordance with the customs that are universal in Kent
outside the Shorncliffe area.
The motion stands adjourned, with much other business,
till next Wednesday.
Folkestone
Herald 22-3-1919
Local News
Notices have been served to licensed victuallers
intimating that they may keep their houses open till 9 p.m. on Sunday for the
consumption of liquors on the premises, the supplied for “off” consumption
being restricted to 8.30 p.m.
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