Commercial Inn Address Unknown ???? ???? (Perhaps a reference to Commercial Coffee House, forerunner of British Colours)

 

Kentish Gazette 17-4-1855

Quarter Sessions, Wednesday, before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

There was but one prisoner for trial, John Philpott, 21, for obtaining 10s. under false pretence from Mary Ann Freezer. It appeared the prosecutor, John Gillitin, unable to write, got the landlord of the Commercial Inn to write a note to Mrs. Freezer, desiring her to send him the 10s; and sent the note by the prisoner, who witheld the note, and obtained the money, Mrs. Freezer believing she knew the prisoner; but that turned out to be a mistake. 

Mr. John Minter, who appeared fur the prisoner, endeavoured to show that the note, deposed to was only a direction enabling the prisoner to find Mr. Freezer`s residence; and that having obtained the money, he went to his father’s house at Cheriton, thence to Hythe, where he got tipsy, and, but for the incapacity thus caused, he would have handed the money to the prosecutor.

This ingenious defence seemed to influence some of the jury, as they were a considerable time absent. Eventually they brought in a verdict of Guilty.

The Recorder said he entirely agreed with the jury. In consideration of the prisoner having been already in gaol two months, he should sentence him to four months’ imprisonment with hard labour. He perceived by the list the prisoner could neither read nor write, which he con­sidered a disgrace to him and his parents; there being a national school in the parish. As to the excuse set up that he was tipsy and incapable, it was another instance of the connection, almost universal, of drunkenness and crime.

Swan (2) 1890s

Folkestone Express 23-6-1894

Monday, June 18^th: Before J. Brooke and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Frederick Archer and Margaret Noble were charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dover Road on the 16^th June, and the male prisoner was further charged with damaging a square of glass, value 35s., the property of Mr. Robinson, landlord of the Swan Inn.

Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson said the prisoner was ejected from the house just before eleven on Saturday morning. The man and woman appeared to be sober when they went in. They were very quiet for a time, and then they began to get quarrelsome and used obscene language. They had a quart of beer when they went in. The female had a small soda. There were three in the party. The third, a man, was not present. They were ordered out several times before they would go, and then they were put out. Archer smashed the window with his fist.

P.C. Nash said Mr. Robinson gave Archer into custody. He was very violent, and he had to get assistance to put the handcuffs on. The damage was put at £1 15s. The female struck him when he was on the ground.

The female had previously been charged with breaking a square of glass at Sandgate, and there were several other convictions against her. Superintendent Taylor said she was a very violent woman.

Archer was fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs for drunkenness, or seven days`; and for the damage 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, and 35s. the value of the glass, or one month. Noble was sent to prison for 14 days.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-3-1895

Local News

Samuel Baker and William Kemp had their little experience of the Magistrates` Court on Saturday, and if they are not satisfied they ought to be.

They met at the Swan Inn, Dover Road, on Thursday morning, and got to words. From words they got to spitting in one another`s faces, and then to blows. Hence their appearance in the Police Court, each being summoned by the other for assault.

The Bench listened in patience to the story of this public house squabble, and the dismissed both summonses, leaving each of the litigants to pay his own costs, 3s. in each case.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-3-1897

Saturday, February 28^th: Before Messrs. J. Fitness and T.J. Vaughan.

Charles Stone, otherwise Bailey, was charged with refusing to quit licensed premises when requested on February 23^rd. He pleaded Guilty.

William Brett, the manager of the Swan Inn, said the defendant came in about 9 p.m. He was drunk, and witness refused to serve him. He was requested to leave, but refused and used filthy language. He was ejected, but returned and upset a large number of people in the bar.

Defendant had nothing to say to the charge.

Fined 20s., or 14 days`.

 

Folkestone Herald 6-3-1897

Folkestone Police Court

On Saturday – Mr. Fitness presiding – Charles Stone, otherwise Bailey, was charged with refusing to quit licensed premises on 23^rd February. He pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Wm. Brett, the landlord of the Swan Inn, gave evidence that the defendant came in the bar drunk between nine and ten in the evening of the day in question, and when requested to leave used disgusting and threatening language. He was then ejected, but returned and struck at the landlord over the bar, which was full of customers.

Fined 20s., 9s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour.

Note: Brett is not listed in More Bastions

    

Folkestone Express 7-8-1897

Wednesday, August 4^th: Before Captain Willoughby Carter, J. Pledge, J. Holden, J. Fitness, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

William Vye and Thomas Waddell were charged with assaulting Leon Laine on July 24^th.

Prisoners pleaded Not Guilty and said they only acted in self-defence.

Complainant, who gave his evidence through an interpreter, said he was an engineer at the Canning Factory, and lived at 43, Warren Road. On Saturday night, July 24^th, he had a glass of beer at the Swan Inn, and left there at eleven accompanied by another Frenchman, a cook by trade. They went down Dover Road, and on coming back met four men, one of whom called him “a b---- Frenchman”. He protested, and was then assaulted by two of the men, who knocked him down three times. When on the ground he was kicked in the stomach. He got up and tried to walk, but owing to the loss of blood he could not do so, and he was assisted home by the landlord of the public house opposite. He was still under a doctor.

Elie Gauchot, another Frenchman, gave corroborative evidence, and said he was also struck in the side. He subsequently gave information of the occurrence to a policeman.

In answer to Waddell, witness said he was quite sober.

P.C. Willes said on the night in question he saw about twenty people lounging about, and he told them to move on. Prosecutor came forward with his nose bleeding, and said he had been struck. The Frenchmen had been drinking, but were not drunk. He told them that as they jnew the men who struck them they must take out a summons against them.

P.S. Dawson said on Friday last he went to the Cyprus, where he saw Waddell, whom complainant pointed out as the man who “boxed with him”. At the bottom of High Street, complainant identified Vye, and on being taxed with the offence, said “I did it”.

Vye said Leon threw his stick down and called him an English pig. He kept making a noise so he knocked him down. He only struck him twice.

Waddell said he did not strike Leon. He simply told him to go away.

Vye, who had been previously convicted, was fined £2 and 12s. 6d. costs, or in default one month`s hard labour, and Waddell was fined £1 and 12s. 6d. costs, or in default 21 days`with  hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 7-8-1897

Police Court Record

Two young men named William Vye and Thomas Waddell were charged with assaulting Leon Laine on the 24^th July. The former said it was in self-defence and the latter pleaded Not Guilty.

The complainant gave evidence through an interpreter to the effect that he lived at 43, Warren Road, and was engineer to the Canning Company. On the night of the 24^th he had a glass of beer at the Swan Inn, and remained there five minutes. It was 11 o`clock. There was another Frenchman with him, a cook. They went down Dover Road when leaving the Swan and remained there five minutes talking, and then they came back about 11.20. As they were coming up the street again they met two men, who used a foul expression towards him, and both struck him. He had three successive blows, and three times was knocked down. While he was on the ground they kicked him on the stomach and below the belt. He got up and tried to walk, but he was losing blood fast through the mouth. Four men struck him, but he only knew two, the defendants, whom he knew very well. The two prisoners struck him. He never spoke to them. He had been under a doctor, and was still under one. The two defendants knocked him down.

In answer to Vye, witness added that he saw Vye strike him.

Elie Gaucho, who was with defendant at the time, gave corroborative evidence. There were seven or eight men sitting down, and it was very dark. When complainant was on the ground they struck him with their fist and kicked him. One of them struck witness a blow on the side. He told a policeman what had happened.

In answer to Vye, witness said he was not drunk.

P.C. Wiles gave evidence that on Saturday night, 24^th, he was on duty in Dover Road about a quarter to twelve just opposite the Swan. He saw about twenty persons, and heard loud talking going on. He went up there and told them to clear away. The complainant came and said someone had struck him in the nose. His nose was bleeding. Witness asked if he knew who it was who struck him, and he said “Yes, he knew the men”. Witness told him he could summons them. Complainant did not point out the men to him. The Frenchmen were not drunk, but they had been drinking. He saw them come out of the Swan at eleven o`clock on that same evening.

In answer to defendants, witness said that they went away when he spoke to them. He could not make them properly understand about the summoning. Complainant only spoke of the slap in the nose.

P.S. Dawson stated that on Friday last he went round with the complainant, and in the Cyprus public house he saw Waddell. The complainant pointed him out and said that was the one that boxed him. He left and went down High Street, and about 12 yards from the bottom he pointed out Vye, saying that was the other one that boxed him. Witness went to Vye, who, in answer to witness, told his name and address, 13 Young`s Road. He said “What is the matter, Mr. Dawson?” Witness told him the Frenchman had identified him as one of two men who assaulted him on Saturday night. He said “I did it”.

In answer to Vye, witness added that Vye was about to make a statement, and he told him to keep it to himself.

Mr. H.B. Bradley, the Clerk to the Magistrates, said that was very good advice.

Vye said that he and Waddell were sitting on the wall up the Dover Road on Saturday night, and the two Frenchmen were standing by the side of the Swan, talking to a young lady, who went away with someone, and they walked over the road before them. One threw a stick down and said “You English pigs” and struck him. He took no notice for two or three minutes, but he would not go away, and made a noise. Witness struck him twice, and then he got up and went away.

Vye, who had been brought up previously for assault, was fined £2, 12s. 6d. costs, or a month`s hard labour, and Waddell was fined £1, 12s. 6d. costs, or 21 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-4-1898

Saturday, April 23^rd: Before Messrs. J. Pledge, G. Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan.

John Bryant was charged with being drunk in charge of a horse and cart in Dover Road on April 22^nd.

P.C. Burniston said he ejected the prisoner from the Swan Inn. He got up into a cart and drove off, but stopped at the New Inn. Prisoner was further charged with refusing to quit the Swan Inn.

Mr. Brett, manager, said the prisoner was drunk in his house and refused to leave. He did not get drunk in his house.

P.C. Burniston said he ejected the prisoner as he refused to leave. He used very bad language. He had seen him previously at the Red Cow, when he was sober.

He was fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs for the first offence, and the second charge was dismissed, the Bench believing he got drunk in the house.

Folkestone Up To Date 30-4-1898

Saturday, April 23^rd: Before Ald. Pledge, T.S. Spurgeon, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

John Brien, horse dealer, Folkestone, was charged with having been drunk on licensed premises, and refusing to quit, and also in being unfit to take charge of his horse and cart on the 22^nd inst.

P.C. Burniston said that about 6.10 on the previous evening he was called into the Swan to eject the prisoner and another man. The prisoner had a horse and cart standing outside, and drove several times on the pavement while proceeding to the New Inn, where he was taken into custody by Burniston.

Mr. Brett, of the Swan, said: The prisoner and his friend came into the Swan Inn last evening, and called for drink. I was not in at the time. I asked the prisoner to leave the house, but he would not do so.

For the first offence the prisoner was fined 5s., and 4s. 6d. costs, and for the second dismissed.

The Chairman said the Magistrates had dealt so lightly with the second offence because they believed that the prisoner got the principal part of his drink at the Swan.

Folkestone Herald 30-4-1898

Police Court Report

On Saturday last – Alderman Pledge presiding – John Bryan pleaded Guilty to being drunk in charge of a horse and cart.

P.C. Burneston deposed that on the previous night he ejected the defendant from the Swan public house. He drove twice on to the pavement. He was drunk, and unfit to be in charge of a horse and cart.

There was another charge against defendant of refusing to quit licensed premises. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Brett, manager of the Swan Inn, deposed that defendant came into the Swan. Witness saw him about 4 o`clock. He refused to leave. The constable put him out. Defendant was in a drunken state.

Defendant said he only went in there.

P.C. Burneston deposed that he was called at ten past six to eject prisoner.

Defendant said he had several twos of whisky.

The Bench fined him 5s., 4s. 6d. costs, or 7 days` hard labour. They dismissed the second charge of refusing to quit, it being the firm impression of the Chairman that defendant got drunk at this house.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 6-8-1898

Wednesday, August 3^rd: Before Messrs. J. Pledge, W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and C.J. Pursey.

Mrs. Robinson was granted the transfer of the licence of the Swan Inn. Mr. Mowll appeared for the applicant.  

Folkestone Up To Date 6-8-1898

Wednesday, August 3^rd: Before J. Pledge, W.C. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and C.J. Pursey esqs.

On the application of Mr. Mowll, Mrs. Robinson, of the Swan Inn, was granted a renewed licence in her own name.
 

Folkestone Herald 6-8-1898

Police Court Report

On Wednesday licence was granted to Mrs. Robinson, of the Swan Inn.

Hythe Reporter 13-8-1898

Folkestone Police Court

At the sitting of the Bench of Magistrates last Wednesday, the following licence was transferred:

Mr. E. Rutley Mowll applied on behalf of Mrs. Robinson, widow of the late landlord of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, for a new licence; granted.

Folkestone Up To Date 15-10-1898

Saturday, October 8^th: Before J. Hoad, J. Pledge, J. Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

John Bryan, a driver, was summoned for leaving a horse and conveyance outside the Swan, Dover Road, on Friday, 23^rd September.

The constable who had charge of the case said the horse and conveyance were standing unattended from 12.25 p.m. to 12.45 p.m., twenty minutes. He asked the defendant how long he had been there, and the answer was “Don`t know”. He then said he should report the case, and the defendant said “You can report your old grandmother if you like”.

The defendant told their Worships that when he went into the Swan he asked a boy if he would mind the horse a little, and the boy replied “Yes”. He thought the lad was outside with the horse. The statement as to the language about the old grandmother was false.

He was fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 15-10-1898

Police Court Report

On Saturday last John Bryant was summoned for leaving a horse and cart unattended.

P.C. Simpson deposed that on the 23^rd he saw a horse and trap outside the Swan public house, Dover Road, 20 minutes. Defendant was called out, and he said it belonged to him. Witness told defendant he had seen it there 20 minutes, and he would report him. The defendant replied “You can report your grandmother if you like”.

Defendant denied some of the evidence. He asked a lad to mind the horse a few minutes.

Fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-5-1899

County Court

Before His Honour Sir W.L. Selfe

Thomas Payne, traveller for Ash and Co., the well known brewers, sued Mrs. Brett, landlady of the Swan Inn, for value of 1,141 bottles and stoppers and 13 cases, empties not returned. The articles, when filled, were delivered to the Swan when Mrs. Brett`s former husband, Mr. Robinson, was the landlord. Mrs. Brett disputed an item of £4 8s., saying the goods represented by the amount were never delivered.

Stephen Rye, S.E. Railway carman, produced his delivery note, dated August 20^th, 1898, and signed “C. obinson” in blue pencil.

Mr. Brett was called, and declared the signature a forgery. A similar case, he said, arose in 1894, when he was employed at the house, and the firm proved the forgery by finding out that the goods in that case had not been delivered at that house. He knew there was not a farthing due from Mrs. Brett to the complainants.

Mr. Haines suggested that the bottles had been sold to navvies over the bar, and thus the loss had occurred.

His Honour expressed the belief that navvies preferred deeper draughts than bottled beer, and he complained of the absence of the brewers` ledger. The evidence was not so clear as he could have wished, but from what he had heard he decided to give judgement for Ash and Co. for £9 10s. and costs, to be paid by instalments of £2 a month.

Folkestone Express 20-5-1899

County Court

Tuesday, May 16^th: Before Sir. Wm. L. Selfe

Ash and Co. v Brett: Mr. G.W. Haines appeared for the plaintiffs. It wa a claim for beer sold and delivered to Mrs. Brett, and for bottles, stoppers and cases not returned.

Thomas Payne, traveller for plaintiffs, proved receiving orders from Mrs. Brett, then Mrs. Robinson, the landlady of the Swan Inn. Mr. Robinson, he said, died last summer, and she subsequently married Brett, who was the manager. He said he took orders for bottles of ale and stout and they were supplied to the house. A quarterly statement of accounts was always rendered. When bottles came back they were credited to the parties who sent them. Defendant had not advised them when bottles were returned. The last statement showed 1,141 bottles and 13 cases missing. Since the action 180 bottles and five cases had been returned. Defendant denied that the ale (X.P.A.) and stout had been delivered.

Mr. Brett said the account gave no date when the bottles were returned.

Stephen Rye, carman in the employ of the S.E.R., proved delivery of the goods, and put in a delivery note.

Mr. Brett declared that the signature was a forgery.

Witness said he could not say who signed it. The daughter sometimes signed.

Mary Ann Elizabeth Brett said Mr. Robinson died on the 2^nd June, 1898. He left his property solely to her, and she had since married. She knew nothing at all about the stout or the bottles. Her husband always gave all the orders. She had no account of bottles sent back. She knew 17 and 13 and five cases had been sent back at different times by the S.E.R., but she had no receipts for them.

Mr. Payne said the firm signed for them when they were returned. He could not bring the ledger, but the statement was a copy of the account in the ledger.

Rye said he got signatures for goods delivered, but not for bottles and cases returned.

Mrs. Brett said she dealt with several firms. She did not often have 24 dozens of bottles of beer in.

Mr. Payne said the trade of the house was not an even one. The account for returns extended over four or five years, and there were 1,141 bottles missing – two thirds of those supplied.

His Honour remarked that the claim was for a hundred dozen of bottles.

Mrs. Brett said when they sold the bottled beer out they charged 1d. for bottles.

Mr. Haines said defendant did a large trade with navvies, who had bottled beer.

His Honour: They don`t drink bottled beer – they want a longer drink than that, don`t they – gallon jars?

Mrs. Brett: No, mostly pints.

His Honour: Only pints! I am disappointed.

Mr. Brett said there was a similar error in 1894. He did not owe the plaintiffs a penny either for beer or bottles. He had never put a receipt on one of the invoices.

His Honour examined a number of receipts, and said in one case the receipt was dated three days before the goods were delivered.

Witness said he paid for them in advance. He never had a quarterly statement, nor was it usual to put a memo as to bottles on the accounts.

His Honour said the evidence was by no means clear as to the bottles, but there was no doubt as to the beer being delivered. There would be judgement for the plaintiffs for £9 10s. and costs at £2 a month.

Folkestone Herald 20-5-1899

County Court

Tuesday, May 16^th: Before Sir W. Lucius Selfe.

Ash and Co. v Brett: This was a claim for goods supplied, and bottles not returned. Mr. G.W. Haines appeared for the plaintiffs.

Mr. Thomas Payne, a traveller for the plaintiffs, deposed that he had been representing the firm in Folkestone, and had called on the defendant, Mrs. Brett, then Mrs. Robinson, whose late husband had left the Swan. Mr. Brett, the defendant`s husband, was then manager, and gave him orders. In August, 1898, he took an order for stout, and other liquor, which was forwarded by the firm. They had supplied the house with bottled beer for nearly five years. A number of bottles and cases had been returned, but others had not.

Stephen Rye, carman in the employ of the South Eastern railway, produced a note delivered on the 29^th August, and said he delivered the goods.

Mrs. Brett deposed that hr late husband died on the 2^nd June, 1898, leaving the property solely to her. She knew nothing about the bottles, except that they had always been sent back when they were emptied. She had no receipts from the railway for returned empties.

Mr. Brett said the signature for the 29^th October was entirely false. They had the same trouble in 1894. He did not owe a single farthing.

His Honour ultimately gave judgement for the plaintiff for £9 10s, at £2 a month.

Folkestone Up To Date 20-5-1899

County Court

Tuesday, May 16^th: Before Sir William Selfe.

Ash and Co. v Mrs. Brett: This was an action for the recovery of £15 17s. 2d. for goods delivered. Amongst other items were £9 10s. for 1,141 bottles and stoppers, and £1 19s. for cases not returned. Mr. Haines appeared for the plaintiff.

Thomas Payne said: I am a traveller to Messrs. Ash and Co., and have called on Mrs. Brett, who was lately Mrs. Robinson. She recently married again. Her late husband died last summer. I think Brett, the husband of the present defendant, was manager, and generally gave the orders for beer and stout. I have also kept the bottle and stopper account. There has been a statement presented to the defendant as to the amount outstanding. The defendant never advised me. There were over 1,141 bottles and stoppers, and some dozen cases not returned.

Mr. Brett, as representing the defendant, complained that the bill presented to him did not contain proper date entries.

A carman in the employ of the S.E. Railway Company deposed that a note showing the delivery of certain goods to the defendant was duly signed.

Mr. Brett said the signature was a forgery. The note was never signed either by himself or by Mrs. Brett.

Mary Ann Elizabeth Brett said: My husband died on the 2^nd June, 1898. He left a will, leaving his property solely to me. I have since married again. As to the goods in question, I don`t know anything about them. There are no receipts for returned entries. The empties are sent back free. I could not say what the year`s consumption of bottled stout and ale is at the Swan.

Mr. Payne, further examined by His Honour, alleged that two thirds of the bottles supplied to the defendant had not come back.

Mrs. Brett: We charge a penny on bottles that are not returned to us.

Mr. Brett, as manager of the defendant`s business, emphatically stated that not a single farthing was due to the plaintiffs for goods of any description.

His Honour considered that the evidence in the case was by no means clear, but gave a verdict for £9 10s. and costs with respect to the bottles and stoppers, payment to be made at the rate of £2 a month.

Folkestone Herald 1-7-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Tuesday last, Mr. Pope, architect, submitted plans showing proposed alterations to the Swan Inn, Dover Road, which he explained to the Bench. The case was adjourned so that the Superintendent may inspect the premises.

Folkestone Express 29-7-1899

Saturday, July 22^nd: Before W. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Col. Hamilton.

Mr. Reginald Pope presented a plan of alterations to be made at the Swan Inn, Dover Road.

Supt. Reeve said it would increase the public drinking facilities, and also provide another public entrance.

The plan was approved.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-8-1899

Brewster Sessions

The Session for renewing old licences and granting new ones for the sale of intoxicating liquors in Folkestone was held on Wednesday last at the Town Hall. Captain Willoughby Carter presided, and the other members of the Bench were Messrs. Pursey, Fitness, and Herbert.

The whole of the existing licences were renewed, with the exception of the licence of the Swan Tavern, Dover Road. In that case the renewal was held over for an adjourned sitting, the house being in course of re-construction, and the Chief Constable not being prepared to make a report upon it until the work had been proceeded with further.

Folkestone Express 26-8-1899

Folkestone Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, August 23^rd: Before Captain Carter, J. Hoad, W.G. Herbert, J. Fitness, C.J. Pursey, and J. Pledge Esqs.

In the case of the Swan Inn, Supt. Reeve said he had received certain complaints against the manner in which it was conducted, and considered it necessary to ask that the application for renewal should be postponed until the adjourned licensing session in order that he might investigate the matter. The applicant, Mr. Brett, was accordingly told to renew his application at the adjournment.

Folkestone Herald 26-8-1899

Annual Licensing Sessions

On Wednesday last the Annual Licensing Meeting was held at the Court Room, Town Hall, the sitting justices being Capt. Carter, Mr. Fitness, Mr. Pursey, Mr. Hoad, Mr. Alderman Pledge, and Mr. Alderman Herbert.

Chief Constable Reeve applied that the renewal of the licence of the Swan Inn, near the Junction Station, be allowed to stand over to the adjourned meeting. His application, he said, had no reference to the extensive alterations now in progress.

The application was granted, and the renewal adjourned accordingly.

Folkestone Up To Date 26-8-1899

Wednesday, August 23^rd: Before Captain Willoughby Carter, J. Hoad, J. Fitness, W.G. Herbert, J. Pledge, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Licensing Day

The Swan

The consideration of the application of Mr. Brett for a renewal of his licence was postponed until the adjourned licensing sessions, Chief Constable Reeve wishing time to investigate certain complaints against the place.

Southeastern Gazette 26-8-1899

Local News

Captain Willoughby-Carter presided at the Folkestone Licensing Sessions on Wednesday. The Chief Constable, Mr. H. Reeve, reported that there were at present within the borough 138 persons licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating drink, viz.: 58 full licence holders, 14 beerhouse keepers for consumption on the premises, four chemists for wine off the premises, six beer-sellers for consumption off the premises, three confectioners for wine on the premises, and 26 others holding various licences to sell beer, spirits, &c„ off the premises. There were 12 places licensed for public music and dancing, 10 of which were premises also licensed for the sale of intoxicating drink. There was also one place licensed for public billiard playing. During the past year, five of the licence holders had been proceeded against for offences against the Licensing Acts, but only four of them were convicted. 89 persons were proceeded against for drunkenness, 84 were convicted, and five discharged. Six persons were convicted for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours, and one for refusing to quit licensed premises when requested.

The consideration of the renewal of the licence of the Swan Tavern, Dover Road, was adjourned, in consequence of the house being in course of reconstruction, but all the remaining existing licences were renewed.   

Folkestone Chronicle 23-9-1899

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

At these Sessions, on Wednesday, Mr. Brett applied for a renewal licence for the Swan Inn, Dover Road.

The Chief Constable said he had asked the Bench to defer consideration of this application until this session in order to give him an opportunity of enquiring into certain complaints made as to the conduct of the house. He had thoroughly enquired into the matter and found that, though there was some improvement necessary in the manner of the business, there was nothing so serious as to justify his opposing the renewal.

Mr. Brett stated that the licence had been held for many years by his wife`s late husband, Mr. Robinson, and there had been no complaint or prosecution throughout the time.

The Bench granted the renewal and cautioned Brett to see that the house was conducted in a manner which would prevent any complaint arising, or he would risk the revocation of his licence.

Folkestone Express 23-9-1899

Adjourned Licensing Session

Wednesday, September 20^th: Before Capt. Carter, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, C.J. Pursey, W.G. Herbert, J. Pledge, and J. Hoad Esqs.

In the case of the Swan Inn, the renewal of the licence to which was adjourned till this session in order that Supt. Reeve might investigate certain complaints, the Superintendent said he had made enquiries, and did not feel justified in opposing the renewal. The licence was therefore renewed to Elizabeth Brett.

Folkestone Herald 23-9-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday, with regard to the renewal of the licence of the Swan Inn to the wife of Mr. Brett, Chief Constable Reeve said that this application was before the Bench at the Annual Licensing, but he suggested that it stay over until the adjourned meeting to enable him to make inquiries into certain complaints received as to the conduct of the house in the meantime. He had a thorough inquiry made with reference to the management, and although he was satisfied that there were some grounds for complaint, he did not feel justified in opposing the renewal any further. He trusted that in future the house would be better managed than it had been in the past. There had, however, been no convictions.

The Chairman, addressing Mr. Brett, said that he had heard what the Chief Constable said. He must be very careful for the future conduct of the house, otherwise no doubt his licence would be revoked. On the understanding that the house would be well conducted for the future, the licence would be renewed.

Folkestone Up To Date 23-9-1899

Wednesday, September 20^th: Before Captain Willoughby Carter, J. Hoad, J. Pledge, W. Wightwick, and C.J. Pursey Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Adjourned Licensing Day

The Swan

With reference to the adjourned application by Elizabeth Brett for the renewal of the licence of the Swan Inn, the Chief Constable remarked that after making inquiries he did not feel justified in opposing.

The licence was renewed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beer Shop Folkestone 32, Rendezvous Street 2020 -

The Beer Shop Folkestone. Opened 14-3-2020