Folkestone Express
10-2-1940
Annual Licensing Sessions
The record of sobriety in Folkestone was once again
the subject of general congratulation at the annual Folkestone Licensing
Sessions held at the Police Court on Wednesday. Councillor R.G. Wood was in the chair and sitting with
him were Dr. F Wolverson, Alderman J.W. Stainer, Mr. P. Fuller and Alderman W.
Hollands.
The Chief Constable presented his annual report and
this contained the following amongst other items:
Licensed Premises: There are 127 premises in the
borough licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, as follows: Full
licences, 76; beer “on” (one six-day), ten; beer “off”, five; beer and wine
“off”, four; beer, wine and spirits “off”, ten; beer and spirits “off”, five; beer and sweets “off”, four; wine “on” (two six-day), three; cider
and sweets “off”, one; wine and cider “off”, one; wine “off”, six; cider “off”,
one; wine
and spirits “off”, one; total 127, “on” licences 89 and “off” licences 38. On the 8th March, 1939, a full licence
was granted to the Morehall Wine Stores, Cheriton Road. An application on the
8th February, 1939, for the removal of the licence of the “South Foreland” to
the Imperial, Cheriton, was refused.
Extensions and Occasional Licences: Eight hundred
and three extensions and 43 occasional licences were granted during the year.
Structural Alterations: The following structural
alterations were sanctioned by the Bench: Morehall Wine Stores and Ship Inn,
Folkestone.
Drunkenness: During the year, 27 persons (26 males
and one female) were proceeded against for drunkenness. Convicted 15 males and
one female; dismissed 11 males. The persons proceeded against are classified as
follows: Residents, seven males; non-residents, five males; no fixed abode,
eight males and one female; H.M. Forces, six. This is a slight increase of
three persons on the figures for the preceding year. In addition, four persons
were proceeded against for being drunk in charge of a motor car. The number
proceeded against per 1,000 population was .58.
Permitted Hours: The permitted hours as fixed by
the licensing justices were renewed as follows: From 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10
p.m. on Sundays. The half-hour extension during summer time was also renewed,
and has had no detrimental effect.
Clubs:
There are now 31 registered clubs. The following three clubs have ceased to
exist: Shorncliffe Garrison Club, Grand Hotel Sports Club and the Circle
Restaurant Club. Two clubs came under notice of the police during the year, and
proceedings were taken in each case.
Hotels: Eight hotels and three restaurants are
authorised to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour until 11 p.m.
on weekdays.
Billiards and Music and Dancing Licences: There are
two halls licensed for billiards, and 66 music and dancing licences have been
granted or renewed during the year.
Conclusion: The year under review has been a
particularly difficult one from the point of view of police, inasmuch as the
normal life and habits of the country have been radically altered and
re-adjustment to war-time conditions has called for considerable restraint on
the part of the public. So
far as Folkestone is concerned, I am happy to be able to pay tribute to the
general commonsense and character of the troops; to the integrity of the
licensees, who have not attempted to take advantage of the conditions prevailing,
and to all those concerned with myself in the administration of the licensing
laws for their co-operation in bringing about this happy state of affairs.
The Chairman said at the meeting of the magistrates
he was requested by them to express satisfaction and congratulate the police
and the licensees on being able to show such a report on the year which had
just passed. It was very gratifying. A wave of sobriety came over the country
some years ago and it still continued. There were only 27 persons proceeded against for
drunkenness during the past year. It spoke well for the public, he supposed, in
the first place, the licensees who conducted the houses, and also the police.
Although there were 27 people proceeded against for drunkenness, only seven of
them were residents of Folkestone. Having regard to all the visitors, to only
have 27 people proceeded against during the year spoke well for the habits of
the people. He congratulated the licensees upon the way they had conducted
their houses during the past year. He was glad to see they had sufficient
regard for the law for none of them to he proceeded against during the past
year. The Chief Constable said there were five new clubs registered during the
year and they knew they were keeping an eye on them. Proceeding, he said if the
Magistrates looked at the table of comparisons with other towns they would see
that Folkestone had only convicted 16, which showed the magistrates turned a
lenient eye on things.
The Chairman said that the Bench renewed all the
licences.
The Magistrates’ Clerk said in previous years
during the period of summer time there had been an extra half-hour allowed to
licensed premises. Last year the regulations made under the Defence Regulations
extended summer time. At that time he felt that that would not affect the
magistrates’ order and it was observed until October 7th. He had,
however, a circular letter from the Home Office to the effect that the Defence
Regulations did extend the time. They had better hear Mr. Bonniface, who was
making the application.
Mr. B.H. Bonniface said he appeared on behalf of
the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, which included practically the whole of the licensees in the town.
He welcomed the opportunity of bringing the matter before them. When summer
time was extended the licensees did not know whether they were entitled to open
or not, but observed the spirit of the order, namely, regarding summer time as
under the Summer Time Acts of 1922 and 1925. Had the licensees liked to have
taken advantage of it they might have carried on until November. He suggested
that the order they should make in that case was that the extended period of
half mi
hour should be for summer time as defined by the Summer Time Acts of 1922 and
1925.
The Chairman said he was under the impression that
a lot of them did not want any at all. Then there was the old period, June,
July, August and September. He thought the members were in favour of that
period.
Mr. Bonniface said he thought the position was the
Secretary wrote to the Clerk suggesting that 1st May to the 30th
September. At the general meeting, however, he was instructed to ask for the
usual summer time period.
The Chairman asked if anyone objected to the usual
summer hours being granted. Nobody
raised any objection, so the extension was granted as last year, between the
dates of April 21st and October 20th.
The Chairman said the adjourned licensing Sessions
would be held four weeks from that day.
Folkestone Herald 10-2-1940
Annual Licensing Sessions
A total of 27 persons, of whom only seven were residents,
were proceeded against for drunkenness in the Borough of Folkestone during
1939. This fact was revealed by the Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) in his
report at the Annual Licensing Sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday
Councillor R.G. Wood sat with Alderman W. Hollands, Mr. A.E.
Pepper, Dr. F. Wolverson, and Mr. P. Fuller.
The Chief Constable read his annual report (for details see
Folkestone Express).
Councillor Wood said he had been requested by the Licensing Justices to express [heir satisfaction to the
Chief Constable, and to congratulate all the licensees generally on the fact
that he had been able to issue such a report for the year that had just passed.
“It is particularly gratifying to the Magistrates that the wave which came over
the country a few years ago still continues”, he said. “The fact that only 27 persons
have been proceeded against for drunkenness during the past year speaks well
for the public, for the police, and for the licensees and the way in which they
conducted their business”
The Justices renewed all the “on” and “off” licences.
It was decided to hold the adjourned licensing sessions on Wednesday,
March 6th.
Folkestone Herald
16-3-1940
Local News
An application for an extension of drink hours at Folkestone during the Easter
Holidays was granted by the Folkestone Magistrates yesterday.
Mr. B.H. Bonniface, making the application on behalf of 71 licensees, asked
tor an hour's extension from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 21st, Saturday, March 23rd and Easter
Monday, March 25th. “We shall have a full moon during that period to
brighten our evenings”, he said, “and during the period we hope and expect a
considerable number of visitors to Folkestone".
Folkestone Herald
21-9-1940
Local News
Ten o’clock has been fixed by the South Eastern Regional Commissioner as
the time at which all theatres and cinemas in Kent and Sussex must close for
the night. A similar order has been made in respect of other types of licensed and
unlicensed premises, such as public houses, off-licences, restaurants, canteens
and refreshment rooms. Clubs, billiards
saloons and dance halls are also affected, as well as premises devoted to other
forms of amusement, including sport and music. The new order comes into effect
tonight. Chief Constables will be allowed to
use their own discretion in granting extensions of time for special occasions,
and may fix, in certain circumstances, an earlier closing hour, though not
earlier than nine o’clock.
The curfew was mentioned at the Folkestone Police Court yesterday when
Mr. Jack Green, the Entertainments Manager, made application for an extension
at the Leas Cliff Hall for the Spitfire Fund dance (held last night).
Inspector R. Butcher, referring to the order, told the Magistrates that
under exceptional circumstances the Chief Constable could permit an extension
of the hours. He also had power to make the curfew effective from 9 p.m. if he
considered it necessary.
Folkestone Herald
15-2-1941
Local News
The licences of all
bombed licensed premises in Folkestone were renewed at the annual Licensing
Sessions, held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday.
The Chief Constable (Mr.
A.S. Beesley) reported that .nine premises had
been destroyed or damaged by enemy action and 35 others had been closed owing
to lack of
business.
The Mayor (Alderman G.A. Gurr) presided with
Alderman R.G. Wood and Mr. P. Fuller.
Other points in the Chief Constable’s report were
that there were 89 "on" licence premises and 38 “off”, the same as
the previous year; four persons had been proceeded against for drunkenness,
two being convicted and two discharged; three persons had been before the
Court charged with being under the influence of intoxicating liquor while in
charge of a motor car; and the number of clubs was now only 15 as compared
with 32 last year, the rest having closed down.
The Mayor congratulated the licensees on the way in which their businesses
had been conducted during the year. The Magistrates fully realised, he said,
the difficulties caused by the black-out, evacuation, increased prices and
shortage of staff. As far as they were concerned there had been no trouble at
all, and they considered they had carried out their duties in a very able
manner. They all knew what had happened in certain localities and the question
of redundancy would have to be considered, but they would have to leave that
until plans were being submitted.
The Mayor announced that all the publicans`
licences would be renewed without prejudice to the question of redundancy, when
the time came for it to be considered.
Folkestone Herald
6-12-1941
Local News
The South Eastern Regional Commissioner, Lord Monsell, has
made an order relaxing the curfew conditions at Folkestone, it was announced
yesterday.
Under the new order, cinemas, halls, restaurants, etc., will
be permitted to remain open until 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.
The order also applies to public houses, but there
is no change in the permitted licensing hours, which only provide for the sale
of intoxicating liquor up to 10 p.m. at the present time.
Chief Inspector W.L. Hollands, making the
announcement at the Folkestone Police Court yesterday, said police officers
still had power to close places at 9 p.m. if they wished.
Folkestone Herald
7-2-1942
Local News
A technical threat to the licences of 1,100 bombed-out public houses and
other licensed premises has been staved off in the nick of time.
Swift Government action has followed representations made by the Brewers’
Society, supported by other interests affected, that the licences of public
houses whose business has been suspended owing to war damage shall not be endangered
when they come up for renewal at the Brewster Sessions next month, by reason of
their failure to keep open, as required by law.
From information gathered from the entire trade, the
Brewers’ Society reveals that the total number of premises destroyed, or
damaged to an extent which prevents
business being carried on are as follows: Full on-licences 704: other
on-licences 212; off-licences 200.
Folkestone Herald
14-2-1942
Annual Licensing Sessions
Nearly one third of Folkestone`s licensed premises are
closed today, either through being destroyd or damaged by enemy action, or
through lack of business, the Chief Constable (Mr. R.C.M. Jenkins) revealed in
his annual report to the Licensing Bench on Wednesday.
The occasion was the annual Licensing Sessions for the Borough. Alderman
R.G. Wood presided with Alderman W. Hollands, Mr. S.B. Corser, Alderman J.W. Stainer
and Mr. P. Puller.
The Chief Constable's report contained the following: As I did not assume command of
the Force until December 8th, 1941, it will be appreciated that I
have had to rely upon reports only.
Licensed Premises: There are now 90 “on” licences and 38 “off” licences
in existence within the borough. Of these, 39 are at present closed either through
being destroyed or damaged by enemy action, or through lack of business.
Extensions and Occasional
Licences: 67 extensions and eight occasional licences were granted during the
year.
Licences Transferred: 17 were transferred during the year.
Drunkenness: Four persons were proceeded against during the year for
drunkenness, three of whom were convicted and one discharged. There were two
persons charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the
influence of intoxicating liquor, and a conviction was obtained in each case.
Clubs: There are now 14 clubs in the borough.
The Chairman said the Licensing Justices desired him to express
their gratification that during the year the licensees had conducted their houses
in a proper way and had been able to comply with the regulations and rules laid
down by law. Referring to drunkenness, the Chairman said they considered a total of
four was very gratifying having regard to all the circumstances. Compared with
the last war a great improvement had taken place. Members of H.M. Forces were more
moderate in their habits and demands than in the past. With regard to the
renewal of the licences, the question had been very much discussed as it
affected those houses destroyed or damaged my enemy action and closed, or shut down for other
causes. Legislation was projected to make it legal to renew such licences because
they were not supposed to issue licences to houses which were non-existent or
closed. They had done so last year and legislation was projected to make it
legal. That morning
they would act on the same lines as last year and renew all existing licences.
The Magistrates
transferred the licence of the Railway Bell from Mr. George Gumbrell to Mrs. Gumbrell,
his widow.
The
Magistrates fixed the adjourned Annual Licensing Sessions for Wednesday, March
10th, and fixed the dates of Transfer Sessions as follows: March 4th,
April 22nd, May 27th, July 8th, August 19th,
September 30th, November 18th and January 6th.
All music and
dancing licences and wireless licences were also renewed.
Folkestone Herald
3-10-1942
Local News
An indication that licence extensions for such functions as
dances in Folkestone this winter will not be allowed beyond 10.30 p.m. was made
at the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday.
The Magistrates were hearing an application for an extension
until 11 p.m. for a dance at an hotel.
The Chairman (Alderman R.G. Wood), sitting with Alderman J.W. Stainer
and Mr. P. Fuller, announcing that the extension would be given till 10.30, said
that having regard to the condition of things in the country generally and the
need for the saving of fuel and light, that would be the line followed this
winter by the Bench.
Folkestone Herald
26-12-1942
Local News
Folkestone Magistrates on Friday declined to grant an application for an
extension of licensing hours during the Christmas holiday.
Mr. B.H. Bonniface, making the application on behalf of 49 licensees in
the town, asked for an hour's extension to 11 p.m. on December 24tth, December
26th and December 31st. He referred to the fact that the Regional Commissioner
had raised the curfew hour during
the holiday, and also mentioned that black-out difficulties would not arise as they would have a lull moon throughout the holiday. The Bench had
already granted extensions for dances over the same period. A similar application had been made to the Magistrates of the Elham Petty Sessional Division the previous day and
granted.
Chief Inspector W.L.
Hollands said the police had no objection. There was no drunkenness in the town
and the houses were well conducted. The licensees had had rather a thin time.
After the Chairman (Alderman J.W. Stainer) had announced that the Magistrates refused the application, the Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) said the view of other Magistrates who were
not sitting that day had been
ascertained and while it might not be the decision possibly of the whole of
the Bench, it was the decision of the majority.
Folkestone Herald
13-2-1943
Local News
The conduct of
licensed premises and the public using them was praised by the Chief Constable
(Mr. R.C.M. Jenkins) at Folkestone’s annual Licensing Sessions on Wednesday.
The report of the Chief Constable included the following:
Licensed' Premises: There are now 92 “on” licences and 34 “off” licences in
existence within the borough. Of these, 38 are at present closed either through
being destroyed or damaged by enemy action, or through lack of business.
Extensions and Occasional Licences: 172 extensions and one occasional licence were
granted during the year.
Licences Transferred: There were 21 licences transferred during the year.
Drunkenness: The figures of drunkenness for the year have been very
commendable, only four persons being proceeded against. Three were convicted
and one discharged.
Clubs: There are 14 registered clubs within the borough; there being no change from the figure of the preceding year.
Conclusion: The conduct
of licensed premises has generally been very good, and having regard to war
conditions, licensees are to be congratulated on the way in which they have conducted business, particularly I would mention the houses
conducted by the wives of men absent on various forms of national service.
Members of H.M. Forces represent a large proportion of the customers and I have
formed the opinion, based upon general inspections and reports, that their
general conduct is commendable, especially when we consider the local
conditions and that we are in the fourth year of the war.
The Chairman
(Alderman R.G. Wood) said
the Magistrates were of the opinion, having regard to all the circumstances,
that the report was food, especially in regard to drunkenness. When they realised the number of persons in the town they agreed with the Chief
Constable that their conduct was
very commendable. There might be other contributory causes but they would
leave it at that.
They also endorsed what the Chief
Constable had said in regard to the licensees. They considered they had conducted their businesses in a very commendable way
during the year just closed.
The licences were renewed.
The Magistrates fixed the adjourned annual Licensing Sessions for
Wednesday, March 10th.
Folkestone Herald
10-4-1943
Local News
Licensed premises in
Folkestone will remain open until 10.30 p.m. later this month. The extension comes into force on April 19th and
will continue until October.
Reference to the
longer hours was made at the Folkestone Police Court on Friday last week by
the Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes), who said that the extension fitted in to some extent
with Double Summer Time.
Folkestone Herald
18-12-1943
Local News
An application, on behalf of 46 Folkestone licensees, for an extension of drinking hours at Christmas was refused by the
Folkestone Magistrates on Tuesday.
The application came before Alderman R.G. Wood (presiding), Alderman
W. Hollands, Alderman J.W. Stainer, Mr. P.V. Gurr and Mr. C.A. Wilde.
Mr. B.H. Bonniface, making the application, asked
for an hour’s extension from 10 to 11 o'clock on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day
and New Year’s Eve. Mr. Bonniface said he knew that last year a similar application was
refused, but he suggested that circumstances this year were different. In the first place, last year they
were, perhaps, in more imminent danger of bombing, while during the past year
they had had demonstrated
to them very clearly that the Servicemen conducted
themselves well. One could say that Folkestone had been practically free of
any drunkenness. Mr. Bonniface said if the application could not be granted for
all three days, perhaps the Magistrates would favourably consider it in regard
to Christmas Eve.
The Chairman said they did not think the circumstances
had sufficiently changed from last year for them to alter their decision. The application, therefore, would not be granted.
Folkestone Herald
12-2-1944
Annual Licensing Sessions
The opinion that the public house of the future, when the period of reconstruction
arrives, should be on the lines of the continental cafe, was expressed by the
Chairman of the Folkestone Licensing Justices (Alderman R.G. Wood) at the
annual licensing sessions held in the Town Hall on Wednesday.
The report, submitted by Chief Inspector W.L
Hollands, was as follows:
Licensed premises: There are now 91 “on” licences
and 34 “off” licenses in existence within the borough. Of these, 19 “on” and 12
“off” licences were held in abeyance at the last annual general licensing meeting for the duration of the war,
under the Defence regulations.
Extensions: Extensions were granted in 157 cases, without adverse report.
Licences transferred: 14 licences were transferred
during the year
Drunkenness: The figures for drunkenness during the
year have been exceptionally good, only three persons having been proceeded
against, with one conviction and two dismissals.
Clubs: The same number of clubs is in existence as
last year. Proceedings were taken against one club, which was not being conducted
in good faith. This was struck off the register, and 34 persons were convicted.
Offences by licensees: Two licensees were proceeded
against for breaches of the Licensing Acts, and each was convicted on seven charges.
Conclusion: Generally speaking, no fault can be found with the way in which licensed premises
in this division have been conducted during the, year, having regard to the exceptional
conditions prevailing in wartime. Licensees are to be commended in this connection,
and no objection will be raised by the police to the renewal of licences at present in existence.
The report added that 16 houses had been damaged by
war action. Five had been demolished, five repaired and
still open, and six
had been damaged and temporarily closed.
The Chairman said in the opinion of the Magistrates
it was a very good report They noticed that the licensed houses had been well
conducted, and he thought that the chief item which called for any remark was
that there had been only three cases of drunkenness and only one conviction,
during the year. “I sat on this Bench during the last war”, the Chairman said, “and I am
very pleased indeed to see the difference between that time and now. Perhaps there is some contributing feature
which I will not deal with this morning, but to have only three cases of
drunkenness, with only one conviction, is remarkably good”. The Chairman said that with reference
to the houses which had been demolished, damaged, closed and so on, he hoped
that the era of reconstruction would be with them at an early date, and that
era would apply to licensed houses as well as other property.
The Licensing
Justices on more than one occasion had expressed regret that the public houses
of this country were not carried on a little more like the cafes on the other
side of the Channel, catered for everyone. When the plans were drawn up for the
era of reconstruction the Magistrates would like to see more regard paid to the
supplying of food and snacks, so that women and children could obtain soft
drinks or tea and light refreshments. “We think that public houses should cater
for all classes of the nation more than at present”, the Chairman said. The
Chairman added that the Magistrates agreed with the Chief Inspector that the
licensed premises had been very well conducted during the year by the
licensees, with two exceptions.
At the conclusion of the sitting the Chairman said
all the full licences, except those suspended by the Customs, would be renewed.
All rebates would be granted. All beer, wine and spirit licences, all music and
dancing licences, and all billiard licences would also be renewed. The Chairman added that before the
licensees took up their new licences he wished to refer to summer time. The
hours of keeping open for an extra half-hour would be the same as for some
years past, and the period would be from April 17th to October 7th.
Alderman Wood sat with Alderman J.W. Stainer, Alderman
N.O Baker, Alderman W. Hollands, Mr. P. Fuller, Mr. P.V. Gurr and Miss Esme Stuart.
Folkestone Herald
17-2-1945
Annual Licensing Sessions
The announcement at Folkestone’s annual licensing
sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday that during the year there had been no convictions
for drunkenness drew from the Chairman (Alderman R.G. Wood) the observation that it was the first time during his 30 years on the licensing bench that the town had had a
clean
sheet.
Alderman Wood sat with Alderman J.W. Stainer,
Alderman W. Hollands, Mr. C.A. Wilde, and Mr. P.V. Gurr.
The report, which was read by Chief Inspr. W.
Hollands, showed that there were 125 licensed premises in the Borough, 91 “on”
and 34 “off”. Of that number five premises had been destroyed by enemy action,
while 30 had been closed owing to war conditions. Better circumstances and an
increasing population were now encouraging more houses to re-open for business.
Eight licences had been transferred. No licensees had been proceeded against
for breaches of the licensing regulations. “I have to report that no persons
were brought before the Magistrates for drunkenness during the year”, Chief
Inspr. Hollands continued, “and in only one case were proceedings taken against
a person for being under the influence of intoxicating liquor to such an extent as to render him incapable of driving a
motor vehicle. He was convicted. He was a young soldier, and the case was not
serious. This fine record reflects great credit on the way in which both civilian
and military, Naval and Air Force personnel have conducted themselves on licensed
premises andin the streets, especially considering the trying conditions which have prevailed in the Borough throughout the year”. All licensed premises which had been open
had been periodically visited by police officers, and in only one case had an adverse
report been received. A total of 1,073 visits was made during the year. There were 13 clubs registered for the
sale of intoxicating liquor, one fewer than the previous year. No detrimental
reports had been received in that connection. “In a year of exceptional difficulties and many
startling changes I think it can be agreed by all that my licensing report
cannot be viewed with anything other than satisfaction”, Chief Inspr. Hollands
concluded. “The members of H.M. Forces and the public have contributed to this
by their restraint and good conduct at all times and have helped to lighten the
onerous duties of the police”.
Congratulating the police on the manner in which
they had carried out their duties and the licensees upon their admirable
supervision of their premises, the Chairman said the fact that there had been no conviction for
drunkenness was unique, so far as he was concerned, and he had sat at licensing meetings
for over 30 years. Folkestone was not alone in the county of Kent in that respect, but for a town
of their size it was very exceptional, and it was what they had been aiming at
for a great many years. The only other town with a comparable population which had a similar
record was Ramsgate. He did not know if so many troops passed through Ramsgate
as through Folkestone, but they shared the distinction, and the Magistrates
were very pleased and proud to receive á report like that. Now Folkestone had a
clean sheet. The Chairman said on previous occasions observations had been made from the Bench regarding public houses as they were today. The Magistrates had expressed the view that they would like to see more
cosmopolitan houses, where a man could take his wife and family if he wished to
do so, as on the Continent. He did not know whether those observations had reached the House of
Commons or not, but there had been a discussion amongst members of all political
parties, with the idea that some efforts should be made in the new Bill on the
re-planning of the towns which had been damaged through the war, to provide
places which would be social centres where there would be more pleasure and
accommodation than there were in licensed houses today.
All the licences were renewed.
The “summer-time” period for the usual half-hour`s
extension during weekdays was stated to be from April 23rd to
October 6th inclusive.
Folkestone Herald
5-5-1945
Local News
At yesterday`s sitting of the Folkestone
Magistrates` Court the Acting Clerk (Mr. E. Orris) announced that the Justices
would be prepared to consider applications by licensed victuallers for VE-Day
extensions. The Magistrates would sit as soon as the announcement of VE-Day was
made to consider applications, which would have to be made personally, except
in the case of the local Licensed Victuallers` Association, represented by Mr.
B.H. Bonniface.
Folkestone Herald
16-2-1946
Annual Licensing Sessions
Fewer
people were proceeded against for drunkenness during the past year than in the years
immediately before the war, although two Victory celebrations took place. The
annual report to the Licensing Justices, presented on Tuesday, was highly
satisfactory.
The
report was submitted by Chief Inspector R.J. Butcher. The Mayor (Ald. W. Hollands,
presiding) congratulated all concerened upon the successful outcome of an
extremely difficult period.
The
report stated that 125 premises in the borough were licensed; “on” licences
91”, “off” licenses 34. Five licensed premises had been destroyed by enemy
action, and 16 were still closed. Only two occasional licences were granted
during the year, but extensions were granted to licence holders in 193 cases
during the year, mostly for extended dances and VE celebrations. “I am pleased
to say that no case has been brought to my notice of any abuse of the
privilege”, stated the Inspector. No licensees were proceeded against for
breaches of the Licensing Laws, but two licensees were officially cautioned for
selling or supplying intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours. During the
year five persons (3 males and 2 females) were brought before the Court for
drunkenness; one male and two females were convicted, and two males were
discharged (case proved). Having regard to the difficult times the figures reflected
great credit on the public generally. “All
licensed premises which have been
open during the year have been visited at varying times by my officers”,
continued the Chief Inspector, “and in only two cases has an adverse report
been received. The two persons
concerned were officially cautioned. Visits to the number of 1,312 were made. There were 16 clubs
registered for the sale of intoxicating liquor during the year, an increase of
three clubs over the previous year. There is nothing detrimental to report
concerning any club in the past year. “I think it can be generally agreed that
we have passed through many phases during the past year, some of which gave
good cause for unrestrained celebration on the part of the public, both
military and civilian. The military population has been more or less
maintained, owing to the use of the Port of Folkestone for transit purposes,
and licensees on many occasions have had to handle large crowds of military
personnel delayed in Folkestone through cancellation of ships. It is very
satisfactory to record that despite these unexpected circumstances and VE and
VJ celebrations, our record of drunkenness and licensing offences has remained
well below pre-war standard, and every credit is due to the population and the
licensees for such a result”.
The
Mayor, announcing that all the licences would be renewed, said they met that
morning under much happier circumstances than they did a year ago. “It is my
privilege”, the Mayor said, “on behalf of the Bench
to congratulate all the licensees
and the public upon the wonderful way in which business has been conducted
during a very difficult period, especially during the last year.
There
were several celebration periods when you might easily have been excused, but
very few people stepped over the traces. We can congratulate ourselves on
having such a responsible body of men who carefully watch everyone`s interests,
while they themselves have so much responsibility. Now we are reaching another
year, and we expect a large number of visitors during the summer. Some people
might feel that the time has arrived to have a fling. With your help and the
good sense of everyone generally we shall come through the year as well as we
did during the past year. I hope every licensee will realise the responsibility
he has. I hope every licensee will keep open as long as possible, according to
the supplies he has. You all have a duty to perform”.
Folkestone Herald 29-6-1946
Local News
An emergency general meeting of the Folkestone and
District Licensed Victuallers` Association will be held at the Town Hall,
Folkestone, next Thursday afternoon at 3.30 to consider making restricted
uniform opening and closing times.
Owing to shortage of supplies, some premises find
it impossible to keep open throughout permitted hours and close at varying
times, by which congestion and inconvenience is caused to other houses in the
vicinity.
Mr. George Brown, Secretary of the Association, who
has called the meeting, stated yesterday “I want them to come to some mutual
agreement whereby they all open and close together to suit their particular
neighbourhood”.
Folkestone Herald 6-7-1946
Local News
Licensees in
Folkestone, Hythe and district have decided, owing to the shortage of beer
supplies, to shorten their opening hours drastically; with exception of
Saturdays they will not take advantage of the weekday summer extension from 10
to 10.30 p.m. The hours will be 11 – 2 and 7 - 10 on weekdays, and 7 - 10.30 on
Saturdays. This decision was made at a meeting of members of
the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association, held at the
Town Hall on Thursday afternoon.
The Chairman of the Association (Mr. E. J.
Price) presided, and was supported by Mr. G. B. Off en (Hon. Treasurer), Mr. George Brown (Hon. Secretary)
and members of the Committee. Nearly 80 licensees were present.
The Chairman said the Association had no
power whatsoever to impose specific opening and closing hours, but the situation in the
trade today had become so difficult that the Committee had felt that a meeting
should be called, so that they could possibly come to some decision that would
be of value to the licensed victuallers of the district. The Licensed
Victuallers` Defence League, the Chairman continued, had been informed by the
Home Secretary that he did not feel justified in proposing that licensed
premises should be kept open the official hours when it was not possible to
supply their customers, but it was highly desirable that they should keep open
for uniform hours in each district. “I should like to stress”, Mr. Price
continued, “that in normal times actions which are now being carried out by
licensees would not be tolerated for one moment by the licensing justices or by
the police. But we are not in normal times and the fact that we have been left
to fry in our own fat is, in my opinion, a very great compliment to the trade.
Therefore we must regulate ourselves or they will turn round and tell us what
to do. We are public servants, and we must serve the public to the best of our
ability”. The possibilities he wanted them to consider were zoning (dividing
the town into areas, which would arrange their own opening hours); uniform
shortening of hours throughout the district (if possible they should try to avoid
closing for one or two days in every week. They must try not to close on a
Sunday; it would provide the thin end of the wedge for those people who oppose
Sunday opening); and rationing, by compiling a return of all their customers
and issuing a ticket. (Laughter) “The brewers should be asked to give us fair
play”, he said. “They should be asked not to open new accounts under any
circumstances, because if they can open new accounts they can give us more
beer”. (Hear, hear) “A hundred years ago the public house trade was the rock on
which the brewers built their dominion”. The hours the Committee had in mind
were from 11.30 to 2 and from 7 to 10 on weekdays, with an extra half hour to
10.30 on Saturdays. Sunday could look after itself; their hours were already
shorter on that day.
Asked about the position of clubs, the Chairman
said it might be possible that eventually clubs would be forced into line
because they might have to supply an influx with which they could not cope.
A lengthy discussion followed. Some members said
their quota did not last them more than three days, others stated that they had
sufficient to keep open the full permitted hours.
Mr. H. Surtees said when the houses varied in
their closing times between 10 and 10.30 it was “the ones that were open that
caught it”. “At the present time I am only doing 15 hours a week and I just
manage to spin it out”, he said.
The Chairman replied that the extra half hour
they had at present was only in force for a short period; it would come off
automatically in a month or two. “You must remember”, he said, “that if it is
possible we must take advantage of that extra half hour in one way or another.
The Associations all round the South Coast fought for it tooth and nail. It
cost them thousands of pounds to get it, and it was of great benefit to the
trade in normal times. We do not want to lose it if we can help it”.
After statements had been made by several other
members, in which the predominating sentiment was that an effort should be made
to keep open seven days a week, the Chairman repeated that the association
could not force any licensee to adopt uniform hours. “If you have the beer to
sell”, he said, “by all mean keep open every week night until 10.30. But I
venture to suggest that sooner or later you will get such an influx that you
will not be able to cope with it. People will find the beer, wherever it is”.
Mr. Surtees proposed that the evening hours only
be regulated, from 7 to 10 o`clock, all the week. This was seconded by Mr. P.
Attwood.
Mr. L.W. Holmes (Star, Hythe) moved an amendment
that hours should be regulated as in the proposition, with the exception of
Saturday, which would have the extra half hour. This was seconded by Mr. W.
Powell (Shakespeare) and carried by 23 votes to 11.
Morning hours were the subject of a proposition
by Mr. C. Uden (British Lion). He moved that they should be from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. This was seconded by Mr. P. Lord and carried.
The Chairman said they had suggested in their
resolution the uniform opening hours, and they would all do their best to
comply with those hours. All members should be circularised and a letter sent
to the licensing justices and the police informing them of their decision; he
was sure their blessing would be forthcoming.
Folkestone Herald 3-8-1946
Local News
A letter was read from the Borough Member
(Brigadier H.R. Mackeson) at the quarterly meeting of the Folkestone Branch of
the Licensed Victuallers` and Beer Retailers` Association, at the Rose and
Crown Hotel, Elham, on Monday afternoon, assuring the Branch that he was doing
all he could to help them in their trade. He was, he wrote, bringing all
possible pressure to bear on the Government to increase supplies but he thought
there was little possibility of any improvement owing to the acute shortage of
commodities.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Millen were host and hostess
for the meeting. The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. E.J. Price, presided, with
the Secretary, Mr. G. Brown, and the Treasurer. Mr. G.B. Offen.
Replies to a letter which had been sent to the
leading brewers asking that only retailers who had previously held a licence
should be supplied, were also read. Messrs. Fremlin, George Beer and Rigden,
Bushell Watkins Smith, and Style and Winch all agreed to supply only those
customers who had at one time held a licence.
A letter was also read from the Kent County
Police agreeing to the opening hours which the Association had arranged during
the present shortage of beer.
In his report of a conference of the Kent
Federation, held at Gillingham recently, the Chairman said it had been
explained that the cut in beer meant that the amount the retailer had in the
corresponding month last year would be supplied this year less 15%. A motion
that brewers should supply beer only to those retailers who were members of the
Licensed Victuallers` Association was rejected by the conference. Delegates
pressed that the brewers should not give preference to clubs to the
detriment of their own houses.
Mr. A. Millen requested that a letter be sent
to the Home Secretary asking that all clubs should be placed on the same basis
as public houses.
The meeting finally decided to write to the
Kent branch on the matter, urging them to communicate with higher
authorities.
Folkestone Herald 15-2-1947
Annual Licensing Sessions
“It is a matter of great credit that there have
been so few offences during the past year”, said Dr. F. Wolverson, presiding at
Folkestone annual licensing sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday. “This fact reflects credit on three
sections of the community; the licence holders who have conducted their houses
in the proper way, the police who have shown excellent supervision, and
thirdly, and perhaps still more, on the population”, he said.
The report of the Chief Inspector stated that the
number of licensed premises in the Borough remained the same at 125, of which
91 were “on” licences and 34 “off”. Fifteen premises were still closed, and
of them five were destroyed by enemy action. The remainder would probably be opened in due course. During the year 281 extensions of
licensing hours were granted, the majority being for extended dances, and in
May for VJ Day celebrations. The privilege had in no way been abused by
licensees, and no adverse report had been received. “The excellent record of
licensees continues”, states the report, “and no proceedings have been taken
during the year for any offence against the licensing laws”. Six persons (5
males and one female) appeared at the Magistrates` Courts charged with
drunkenness. Three males and one female were convicted, and two males
discharged. Two cases of motor vehicles being driven by persons under the
influence of intoxicating liquor were dealt with, and convictions obtained. The
figures were very low, and showed that the conduct of the public generally called for congratulation. All premises open during the year had been visited
by the Police at irregular intervals, and in no case had there been any cause
for complaint. Police
officers made 1,128 inspections during the year. Sixteen clubs already in existence
in 1945 continued to function; five new Clubs were formed and registered. These
five were all in operation before the war and had to close owing to the conditions
prevailing during hostilities. The report concluded “There is no doubt that the excellent
standard set by both licensees
and the public has been maintained during the year under review. There has been no deterioration in the conduct of
either, and this is deserving of every praise, especially when consideration
must be given to the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the
number of persons returning to the town, and towards the end of the year
Shorncliife Camp reopened, with a resultant increase in the number of military
personnel in the Borough. Victory celebrations in June, and the heavy influx of
visitors during the summer months might well have given cause for complaint,
but it is noteworthy that
in no instance was it necessary
for Police to take action for a breach of the licensing laws”.
Chief Inspector R.J. Butcher said Folkestone
licensees had stated that while they were short of supplies they wanted to
spread their hours over the whole week to avoid closing on any one day, but
there seemed to be little uniformity in the arrangements. Some, not wishing to waste fuel and
power, closed on three days a week, some opened all day on Sunday and also on
Monday morning. On
three occasions it had been brought to his notice that licensees had only
the saloon and lounge bars open. Immediate steps had been taken to stop this
and to prevent its recurrence. The general shortage of supplies was
likely to continue and difficulties of fuel were likely to be even more
intense. Whatever
was done to counteract these shortages and difficulties there should be some
degree of uniformity in the coming year.
The Chairman: The Magistrates have previously considered
this matter, and it is their wish that some degree of uniformity should be
obtained in this matter. It is not desirable for some public houses to be
open and for
others to close. Fair play is desirable; the licensees of the town should
endeavour to carry out their arrangements with some degree of uniformity.
Also on the Bench were: Alderman W. Hollands, Mr.
P.V. Gurr, Mr. Percy Fuller, Miss Broome-Giles and Mr. C.A. Wilde.
Folkestone Herald 14-2-1948
Annual Licensing Sessions
Although the remarkably low record of only four
persons proceeded against for drunkenness during the year was reported at the
annual licensing sessions at Folkestone on Wednesday, the police report stated
that “unfortunately the previous excellent record of licensees was not
maintained during the year”.
Summonses and cautions
were mentioned, and reference was also made to one house having been found
closed on a number of occasions.
The report stated that
there were 95 “on” licences and 33 “off” licences in force at the end of the
year. The four cases of drunkenness were all males.
Criticism of licensees
was contained in the following:
Extensions of permitted hours: Altogether 387 extensions
of permitted hours were granted during the year. The privilege was
unfortunately abused on two occasions, when persons were observed drinking on
the premises concerned after closing time. Both licence holders were cautioned
as to .their future conduct.
Conduct: Unfortunately, the previous excellent record
of licensees was not maintained during the year. One licensee appeared at
Folkestone Borough Magistrates’ Court on October 31st, 1947, charged
with receiving two bottles of brandy from a person not having authority to
deliver same, and was fined £10. Another licensee appeared at West Kent Quarter
Sessions on October 20th, 1947, charged with receiving stolen
cigarettes, and was bound over for two years in his own recognisance of £5 and
ordered to pay £10 costs. The firm controlling one of the larger hotels in the
town was summoned at Folkestone Borough Magistrates' Court on December 23rd
for six offences contrary to the Spirits Act of 1880. They were fined a total
of £120, together with £2 12/6d. costs. Similar summonses were also issued
against the licence holder, but those were withdrawn.Two other licensees were
also cautioned for offences against the Betting and lotteries Act.
“Licensees appear to have
overcome the difficulties experienced in 1946 owing to shortage of supplies,
and in general have maintained a full service to the public”, the report
continues. “One house was, however, found to be closed on eight occasions
during the summer season, and in view of the general position I am doubtful
whether this particular case can be attributed to lack of supplies”.
“Dance halls have been well patronised and
generally very well conducted. It has been noted, however, that when
attendances are in excess of the capacity of the particular hall from a
‘comfort’ viewpoint the supervision of the bars is very difficult, both for the
licensee and the police."
The conduct of the public
was described as again being of a very high
standard, “and it is unfortunate that attention has had to be drawn
in this report to so many cases where licensees have been at fault”.
The Mayor (Ald. E.P.
Bridgland), presiding, said he thought he must congratulate the licensees on
the way they had conducted their businesses during the past 12 months. The
Magistrates had to take into consideration that last year for some considerable
time in the summer the population of the town was almost doubled. Regarding the
low record of drunkenness, the Mayor said he was delighted at the report, and
he was sure all the magistrates were. They were a little
concerned about the one case of a house being closed, of which
mention had been made, and the magistrates hoped that all houses would remain
open as much as possible. He knew the shortage of supplies had been difficult, and whether
that would be better in the future he did not know. The Mayor
congratulated the police upon having carried out their duties under
circumstances which at times had been difficult, and concluded that in a
pleasure resort such as Folkestone he thought everyone could congratulate
themselves upon the way in which business had been conducted.
All the licences were
renewed.
Folkestone Herald 12-2-1949
Annual Licensing Sessions
Only two persons were convicted
for drunkenness throughout last year - two fewer than in 1947. An excellent
report was submitted at the annual Licensing Sessions for Folkestone on
Wednesday.
The police report stated that 132 premises were
licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor - one for every 350 persons. The number of licences transferred was
21. "During
the year three male persons were proceeded against for drunkenness, one of whom
was a motorist”, the report continued. “This person was found not guilty, but
the other two were convicted. This compares with four male persons charged and
convicted during the previous year”. There was a total of 24 registered clubs
within the borough, an increase of three on the total for 1947. There were 65
premises in the borough licensed for music and dancing, including 29 granted
for the use of wireless only. “The police made 374 visits to licensed premises
during the year and no infringements of the licensing laws were reported”, the report said. “Neither were any
proceedings taken against registered clubs. Frequent visits of inspection were
also made to premises licensed for music and dancing, and it was found that
they were generally well conducted.” The licences of ten premises, either destroyed or
badly damaged during the war, were still in suspense. In addition, three
licensed hotels were still closed, namely, Royal Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone
Harbour (still requisitioned), the Leas Hotel, Clifton Gardens, and the Wampach
Hotel, Castle Hill Avenue.
The Mayor, who presided, said there were no
complaints; the magistrates congratulated the police on the efficient manner in
which they had looked after the town. It was a splendid report. There were only two cases of
drunkenness in a town which had thousands of visitors; they hoped to have still
more visitors this year. It was also a military town, and they must all congratulate
themselves. The
magistrates were very pleased with the manner in which the licensees had
carried cut their duties.
All the licences were renewed.
Editorial
Once again the reports of the police to Magistrates
in Folkestone, Hythe and district show that the excellent record of sobriety
that the area has enjoyed for several years past has been fully maintained. The
number of convictions for drunkenness during the past year has been negligible,
licensed houses have been well conducted, and no proceedings have been taken
against licensees. Rightly, Licensing Justices have commended licensees and the
public upon their good record, particularly in Folkestone where there is not
only a big influx of summer visitors but also a substantial military garrison.
It may be argued that the strength of beer today is not so great as that in the
past, or that, with the considerable reduction of the number of licensed houses
within the past 30 years the temptation is not so great, but there can be no
doubt the heavy drinker is now a rarity, if not extinct. Hedged about as he is
by innumerable restrictions, the licensee has perhaps the most difficult of all
the businesses. The licensing laws are many and complex, but the licensee must
observe them all; he knows that if, through ignorance of the law or a lapse on
his part, he is convicted of an offence he is in danger not only of a heavy
fine but of losing his livelihood. The integrity of licensees is one of the
most praiseworthy features of the Trade locally.
In Folkestone there are still no fewer than ten
licences still in suspense, mainly in respect of premises damaged or destroyed
during the war. Some of these may never be rebuilt, the licences may be
transferred to other places in the town, subject, of course, to the approval of
the Licensing Magistrates. A Licensing Planning Committee has been dealing
since the war with the whole matter of licences in Folkestone from the aspects
of planning and distribution, and though the full results of their
deliberations may not be apparent for some time ahead, proceedings at the
annual Brewster Sessions last Wednesday indicated that they were concerned in
applications then before the Court and adjourned to a later date. We understand
that the Committee has completed a review of the whole of the licensed premises
in the borough. In the matter of new licences or the transfer of existing
licences to other premises the Committee is, of course, particularly concerned.
Although ne reference was made to it at any
Brewster Sessions in the Folkestone area, the nationalisation of public houses
is in the minds of many licensees today. That any step towards State monopoly
of the drink industry would meet with the strongest opposition is undeniable.
Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Association has already clearly
indicated its views on the matter, and the Borough Member has assured licensees
locally that he will fight any move by the Government in the direction of State
management. There have already been widespread changes in the licensed trade
since the war; the increase in the number of houses controlled by managers
appointed by large concerns is one of them, but it is still a far cry to the
State public house. Even so, the industry cannot afford to regard the matter as
something that may or may not arise in the future. The Government has already
shown its hand in its attitude to licences in the new satellite towns to be
built. It will not be sufficient for the Trade organisations to deal with the
matter when the evil hour comes; it is a matter for each individual licensee
now.
The Chairman of the Folkestone Licensed
Victuallers` Association was indeed wise when, speaking at the last quarterly
meeting, he said “If the State takes over a district they will probably cut out
many houses from a little town, and it will be the man who shows apathy who
will suffer. Every licensee should fight for all other licensees”. The
operative word is “Fight”.
An hour’s extension, from
10-11 p.m., on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve was granted by
Folkestone Magistrates yesterday to all local licensees.
Folkestone Herald 17-12-1949
Local News
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Mr. B. H. Bonniface,
making the application, said for the first time he had the pleasure of
representing 100 per cent of local licensees, including hotels with bars open
to the public.
Extensions were also
granted to a number of hotels for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
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