Thanks And Acknowledgements

My thanks go to Kent Libraries and Archives - Folkestone Library and also to the archive of the Folkestone Herald. For articles from the Folkestone Observer, my thanks go to the Kent Messenger Group. Southeastern Gazette articles are from UKPress Online, and Kentish Gazette articles are from the British Newspaper Archive. See links below.

Paul Skelton`s great site for research on pubs in Kent is also linked

Other sites which may be of interest are the Folkestone and District Local History Society, the Kent History Forum, Christine Warren`s fascinating site, Folkestone Then And Now, and Step Short, where I originally found the photo of the bomb-damaged former Langton`s Brewery, links also below.


Welcome

Welcome to Even More Tales From The Tap Room.

Core dates and information on licensees tenure are taken from Martin Easdown and Eamonn Rooney`s two fine books on the pubs of Folkestone, Tales From The Tap Room and More Tales From The Tap Room - unfortunately now out of print. Dates for the tenure of licensees are taken from the very limited editions called Bastions Of The Bar and More Bastions Of The Bar, which were given free to very early purchasers of the books.

Easiest navigation of the site is by clicking on the PAGE of the pub you are looking for and following the links to the different sub-pages. Using the LABELS is, I`m afraid, not at all user-friendly.

Contrast Note

Whilst the above-mentioned books and supplements represent an enormous amount of research over many years, it is almost inevitable that further research will throw up some differences to the published works. Where these have been found, I have noted them. This is not intended to detract in any way from previous research, but merely to indicate that (possible) new information is available.

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Saturday 19 October 2013

General Licensing Notes 1900s



Folkestone Chronicle 25-8-1900

Editorial

That Justices may not unwittingly transgress the Licensing Acts, it may not be out of place to remind them that they are disqualified for either adjudicating upon renewals and new applications or for doing what the Acts regard as practically the same thing – taking part in the selection of the Licensing Committee – if they are either pecuniarily interested in brewery or distillery shares, or in premises which are licensed, or which are the subject of an application for a licence to sell intoxicating liquors, providing such brewery or premises be in the same or an adjoining district to that in which the Justice acts. Nor would it be necessary in order to disqualify the shareholder that the brewery itself should be within such limits, if it had tied houses which were.

Local News

At the Licensing Sessions on Wednesday, Mr. Mowll made a strong point in opposing an off-licence by mentioning the danger of giving children the opportunity of visiting the “publics” by fetching the “grown up” beer. We have before gone into the matter. The publicans themselves, we believe, if canvassed, would be the first to discourage children of tender years acting as jug carriers, but until a law is passed, the licence holder is helpless, because if he acts he offends a customer.

Folkestone Express 25-8-1900

Annual Licensing Meeting

Wednesday, August 22nd: Before J. Hoad Esq., Alderman Pledge, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, J. Fitness, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Supt. Reeve presented the following report: I have the honour to report that there are within the Borough 140 houses licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating drink. The present estimated population of the borough is, I believe, 28,500. This gives an average of about 203 persons to each licence. Tow of the licence holders have been proceeded against for offences under the Licensing Acts, but only one was convicted. In the preceding year five were proceeded against and four convicted. Twenty eight of the licences have been transferred during the year. There are two places licensed for public billiard playing, and 13 licences are granted for public music and dancing. One hundred and fifteen persons (85 males and 30 females) have been proceeded against for drunkenness – 57 of them were residents of the borough and 58 strangers. One hundred and seven were convicted and eight discharged. This is an increase of 26 persons proceeded against as compared with the previous year. One person has been convicted for refusing to quit licensed premises when requested. The majority of the licensed houses are, I believe, well conducted, and the only objection I have to offer is to the renewal of two of the present music and dancing licences. I have received notice from six persons of their intention to apply for new licences at these sessions. The licences existing are: Full licences (one 6 day), 86; beer “on”, 11; beer and wine “on”, 3; wine “on” (3 6 day), 3; beer “off”, 9; wine “off”, 4; beer and wine “off”, 4; spirits and wine “off”, 3; spirits and beer “off”, 8; spirits “off”, 1; beer, spirits and wine “off”, 6; wine, spirits, beer and sweets “off”, 3; Total 140.

Mr. Wightwick asked if any of the persons convicted for drunkenness were excursionists?

The Superintendent said most of them were strangers, and there were very few excursionists indeed.

The full licences to sell intoxicating liquors were then all renewed.
 

Folkestone Herald 19-1-1901

Felix

If there is a watering place in the United Kingdom that ought to be justly proud of the magnificence of its hotels, surely it ought to be Folkestone. Strange, then, it is to read the following:- “The Folkestone Arms Commercial Hotel and Excise Office is the principal hotel in Folkestone, and one, as regards comfort and convenience, of which any town might be proud. The beds are excellent; of the cookery the choicest epicure could not complain; the wines and spirits challenge competition with any; the management reflecting the greatest credit; the posting equal to any on the road; and, though last, not least of its recommending qualities, the charges reasonable.” The site of this hotel was in Bayle Street, near the Herald printing works of today. Mr. Venner, the present genial proprietor of the Rose will probably learn that his house in the far-off days I am alluding to was considered a “a very comfortable establishment, with good accommodations, including stabling and lock-up coach-houses. It is situated in Broad Street (now High Street), opposite the entrance from Sandgate Road, commanding a fine land prospect, and within a few minutes` walk of the beach. Coaches and vans to and from London, Dover, Sandgate, Hythe, and every other part of the coast call daily.”

Folkestone, it would seem, was years ago well provided with public houses, for the writer says: “Of inns and public houses in Folkestone, it may be said, like churches in an old city, they are more numerical than ornamental; without wishing to be invidious, we would name the North Foreland, the George, the King`s Arms, the Folkestone Cutter, the Folkestone Lugger, and the Fleur-de-lis, affording a variety of accommodations, which we have not space to enumerate.” The North Foreland was in the neighbourhood of the Fish Market, and it was here of an evening that the Town councillors and Jurats of the day would enjoy a rubber of whist and discuss the town`s affairs. But “The Foreland” has disappeared, and on its site the Fishermen`s Bethel has been erected. The palatial Queen`s Hotel covers the ground on which once stood the King`s Arms. As Folkestone grew I suppose it was considered infra dig to term a house “The Lugger” in the fashionable part of the town. Then it was altered to the East Kent Arms – the name the old, but renovated house in Sandgate Road is now known by.

Folkestone Express 2-2-1901

Local News

The licensed victuallers of Folkestone have resolved to close their establishments for four hours on Saturday during the time of Her Majesty`s funeral.

Folkestone Express 24-8-1901

Annual Licensing Meeting

Wednesday, August 21st: Before J. Hoad, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

The Chief Constable presented his annual report as follows: I have the honour to report that there are at present within the Borough 140 houses licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating drink. The population of the Borough according to the recent Census is 30,694, which gives an average of one licence to every 219 persons. Four of the licence holders have been convicted during the past year for offences under the Licensing Acts, but in no case was the conviction ordered to be endorsed on the licence. Each of the convicted licensees has since transferred his licence and left the house. In the preceding year only one licence holder was convicted. Eighteen of the licences have been transferred during the year, against 28 in the previous year. There are two places licensed for public billiard playing, and 12 licences are granted for public music and dancing. 116 persons (86 males and 30 females) have been proceeded against for drunkenness; 109 were convicted and seven discharged. Only 54 were residents of the Borough. In the preceding year 115 persons were proceeded against and 107 of them convicted. Five persons have also been convicted for giving false names when found on licensed premises during prohibited hours. I offer no objection to the renewal of any of the present licences, the holders generally appearing desirous of conducting their houses in accordance with the law. I have received notices from four persons of their intention to apply for new licences.

The Chairman said the report was very satisfactory. He asked “Do you consider any new licences are required or not?”

Supt. Reeve: My own opinion is that there are already too many licences in the town for the necessary requirements of the Borough.

The existing licences were renewed, with the exception of that of the Ship Inn.

Folkestone Express 16-8-1902

Local News

The Licensing Bill has now passed both Houses of Parliament, and awaits the Royal Assent, and Section 14 of the Act comes into force at once. This section provides that there shall be no General Annual Licensing Meeting this Autumn, and that in every district where the meeting would but for the new Act have been held in the present month or in September, every Justices` licence in force on Oct. 10th, 1902, shall, on production to the Clerk to the Licensing Justices, and on payment of half the fees which would have been payable if the licence had been renewed, remain in force until April 5th, 1903, unless previously forfeited, or unless the licence or the premises become disqualified. In future the General Annual Licensing Meetings will be held within the first 14 days of February in each year.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-2-1903

Licensing Sessions

At Folkestone, the first Licensing Session under the new Act was held on Wednesday, and was prolific in surprises. The Court was packed to overflowing, quite a hundred would-be listeners being turned away for want of room. In the back of the Court publicans and leading temperance people jostled together. On the Bench Mr. W. Wighwick occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr. J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Westropp, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, E.T. Ward, W.G. Herbert, and C.J. Pursey. Among the legal profession were Mr. T. Matthew, barrister (son of Mr. Justice Matthew), instructed by Mr. J. Minter and Mr. G. Haines; Mr. Clinch, solicitor, Gravesend; Mr. Rutley Mowll, Dover; Mr. Montague Bradley, Dover; Mr. Mercer, Canterbury, etc.

The Chief Constable informed the Court that there were within the Borough 140 places for the sale of intoxicating drink, viz. – 88 full licences, 11 beer “on”, 6 beer “off”, 4 wine “off”, 3 wine “on”, 28 grocers and others to sell spirits, &c., off the premises. Since the last Annual Licensing Meeting on the 21st of August, 1901, 3 of the licences had been transferred. The majority of the houses had been well-conducted. Seven of the licence holders had been convicted since August 21st, 1901, and a few others had been cautioned for slight irregularities in the conduct of their businesses. Two of the licensed houses to which full licences had been granted were simply carried on as beerhouses, the owners not having in force a certificate from the Inland Revenue authorities authorising the sale of spirits. For drunkenness 100 persons (78 males and 22 females) were proceeded against during the period; 90 were convicted and ten discharged. He had received notice that three applications for new licences would be made at these Sessions.

The old licensees were duly called, and told to be quick with their 8s. 6d. or 13s. 6d., as the case might be, while those whose renewals were opposed were curtly informed that their applications stood adjourned.

The renewal of the licences which stood adjourned were, according to the Chief Constable`s list, classified under three headings. Under the word “Opposed” were: The Hope, Mr. Smith; The Tramway, Mr. Skinner; The Granville; Blue Anchor, Mr. G. Whiting; Marquis Of Lorne, Mr. Heritage; The Star; The Providence, Mr. East; Bricklayers Arms, Mr. Joe Whiting; Victoria, South Street.

Under the section “To Attend” (it was understood to be warned for various petty irregularities, and to observe certain conditions) were: The Imperial, Mr. J. Hills; Mechanics Arms, Mr. J. Lawrence; London and Paris Hotel, Mr. G. Gray; Lifeboat, Mrs. Setterfield; Eagle Tavern, Mr. Taylor; Swan, Dover Road, Mr. Brett; East Cliff Tavern; Packet Boat, Mr. Newman; The Castle, Mr. A. Pollard; Tontine Street Brewery Tap, Mr. Thomason.

For production of plans, etc., as to entrances and exits: The Wheatsheaf, Mr. Hall; Queen`s Head, Mr. Walter Tame; Perseverance; Cinque Ports, Mr. Dorrell; Duke of Edinburgh; Prince of Wales, Mr. Weaver; Royal Oak, Mr. Collyer; Chequers; Duke of Wellington, Mr. Ralph.

Before the Court adjourned, Mr. Clinch, on behalf of the legal gentlemen present, asked the Bench to make a note of the great inconvenience some of them had been put to through not receiving any notice that the contested cases would stand adjourned.

The Chairman: I understand that you are not making any application?

Mr. Clinch: Oh, no, sir.

Mr. Bradley (Magistrates` Clerk): You will have to fight that out with Mr. Minter.

Mr. Minter (laughing): That is quite right.

The Chairman: The Sessions will stand adjourned until Wednesday, the 4th of March.

Folkestone Express 7-2-1903

Editorial
 
The public were prepared for some special pronouncement from the Folkestone Licensing Committee on Wednesday, but certainly not for what actually did happen. There had been a deputation of clergymen, ministers and others waiting on the Magistrates a few days previously, and they presented a petition in which it was urged “that the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxicating drinks in the Borough is out of proportion to the needs of the population, or the requirements of the locality. There are twenty four fully licensed houses and two beer houses within five minutes` walk between the junction of Tontine and High Streets and the end of Radnor Street”. The deputation further expressed a hope that the Licensing Committee would not sanction new licences on the condition of licences in the congested districts being surrendered, and assured the Bench that any action in the way of reduction of the number of licensed houses would have the warmest approval of the petitioners. No notices of objection had been served upon publicans, but no less than twenty eight applications were postponed for consideration at the adjourned licensing day, and in several of the cases the applicants were informed that the surrender would be opposed, while others were ordered to submit plans within seven days – surely a most unnecessary request! A house to house visit would have been much more enlightening. What we wish to impress upon the Licensing Justices is the danger there will be, if they refuse any of the licences on the ground that they are not required, of immense law costs being incurred. We should not mind at all if these gentlemen who are so anxious to reduce the number of licences would undertake to defray the costs of the Magistrates in the appeals, and not let them fall upon the rates. For we may rest assured that if any licence in the borough is refused, the decision will be appealed against, and there is very little doubt that the decision of the local Magistrates would be reversed. Exactly the same thing occurred at Hythe last year. The new Licensing Act makes no change in the law in this respect. We do not believe that the reduction in the number of licences will diminish the quantity of liquor consumed. It might just as well be argued that a diminution in the number of butcher`s shops would reduce the consumption of beef. The only result would be that the remaining houses would more trade, and the consumer would suffer from the lack of competition, which in every other trade is held to be healthy. There are many licensed houses which are not remunerative, and this ought to be a balm to the teetotal party. It shows that the existence of the house does not increase drinking. Would out teetotal friends like to see great gaudy “gin palaces” take the place of the quiet little inns, which are regarded by hundreds of working men as club houses, where they can meet, chat over the events of the day over their pipes, and go away at a proper hour to their homes? We should deplore such a change, as it would introduce a new element of danger and certainly conduce to heavy drinking. The old-fashioned smoking room is not the place where beer and spirits are consumed wholesale. It is the new-fangled lounge where the “liquor gobbling” goes on, just as it does in the “quick lunch” bars in America, where food is hastily swallowed and the digestion ruined. We do not think the Licensing Justices will, on mature consideration, make any changes in Folkestone, where the houses are all well conducted as is proved by the Chief Constable`s report. The date of the adjourned licensing session will probably be altered. The Act says distinctly that is should be held within one month of the date of the general annual licensing meeting, and it is open to question whether the 4th of March is within one month of the 4th of February. It seems to us to be just outwith the month.

Wednesday, February 4th: Before W. Wightwick Esq., Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Lieut. Col. Westropp, E.T. Ward, C.J. Pursey, J. Pledge, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Annual Licensing Session

The granting of old licences was proceeded with, and several were ordered to stand over until the adjourned meeting.

These included the Swan, Dover Road; the Granville Inn, Dover Street; the Castle Inn, Foord; the Victoria Inn, South Street; the Tramway Tavern, Radnor Street; the Eagle Tavern, Guildhall Street; the Star, Radnor Street; the Imperial Brewery Tap, Tontine Street; the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street; the Blue Anchor; the Perseverance, the Duke Of Edinburgh; the Lifeboat Inn; the Prince Of Wales; the Cinque Ports; the London and Paris Hotel; the Imperial Hotel; the East Cliff Tavern; the Packet Boat; the Mechanics Arms; the Chequers; the Hope; the Providence; the Marquis Of Lorne; the Royal Oak; the Queen`s Head; and the Wheatsheaf.

In several cases the applicants were requested to send in plans of their premises to the Clerk to the Justices within seven days.

The Magistrates` Clerk asked if there were any new applications, and there was no response.

Folkestone Herald 7-2-1903

Annual Licensing Sessions

The Brewster Sessions for the Borough of Folkestone were held at the Town Hall on Wednesday morning, the Licensing Justices being Messrs. W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, C.J. Pursey, J. Pledge, W.G. Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer, and Lieut. Colonels Westropp and Hamilton.

Special interest was centred in the proceedings, the expectation in the probable reduction in the number of licensed houses having become general. Long before eleven o`clock, the hour appointed, constables were stationed at the doors of the Town hall, and there the great majority of licence holders were kept waiting. Throughout the whole of the sitting there was a considerable amount of excitement, which grew more intense as the Chairman of the Justices gave notice of opposition to licence holders.

Several members of the local Temperance movement, who had waited on the Justices a week since, and had presented a petition, which appeared in the last issue of the Herald, were in Court, including the Rev. J.C. Carlile, Mr. J. Lynn, Mrs. Lynn, Mr. Davidson and Mrs. Stuart. At the solicitors` table were Messrs. Rutley H. Mowll (Dover), A. Montague Bradley (Dover), R.M. Mercer (Canterbury) J. Minter (Folkestone), and W. Clinch (representing Licensed Victuallers` Association), and Mr. G.W. Haines (Folkestone).

The Chief Constable submitted his annual report.

The work of dealing with the licences was then commenced. Prior to the sitting the following list had been drawn up of the licensed houses in whose cases licences were withheld. Licences to be opposed: Hope Inn, Tramway Inn, Granville Arms, Blue Anchor, Marquis Of Lorne, Star Inn, Providence Inn, Victoria Inn, and Bricklayers Arms. Renewals deferred for further consideration: Imperial Hotel, Mechanics Arms, London And Paris Hotel, Lifeboat Inn, Eagle Tavern, Brewery Tap, Swan Inn, East Cliff Tavern, Packet Boat Inn, and Castle Inn. Plans of the following premises were also ordered to be deposited with the Clerk of the Justices within seven days, the renewal of the licences being deferred:  Wheatsheaf Inn, Queen`s Head, Perseverance, Cinque Ports, Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Of Wales, Royal Oak, and Chequers.

The Chief Constable objected to the dancing licence of Mr. Warner, landlord of the Clarence Hotel, being renewed. No objections were given by the landlord, and the Justices refused the extra licence.

Mr. Clinch asked permission to make an observation. His friends, Mr. Mowll and Mr. Bradley, were there today, having come a great distance, for the purpose of opposing applications for new licences which had been duly advertised, and of which notice was given. They were there representing different interests. The speaker represented individuals and the members of the Licensed Victuallers` Association. All he desired to point out was – and the Bench could not help it – that it was a great hardship to these applicants that they should be called upon to come before the Justices on a second occasion through no fault of their own. It would be impertinent of him to enquire what was going on in the Bench, but his clients had to bring their advocates from long distances for some hitch of which they were not aware. He respectfully asked the committee to bear in mind the matter on the next occasion.

Mr. Wightwick: There is no application before me at the present moment.

No applications were heard, the Chairman announcing that the Adjourned Sessions would be held on the 4th March.

Southeastern Gazette 10-2-1903

Local News

The Annual Licensing Sessions for this Borough were held on Wednesday. Out of the 140 applicants for renewal, nine were informed that they would be opposed at the Adjourned Sessions, eleven cases were adjourned for further consideration, and eight applicants were required to deposit plans of their premises with the Clerk to the Justices within the next seven days.
 
Folkestone Programme 8-2-1904

Notes

The annual meeting of the Borough Licensing Justices will take place on Wednesday at the Town hall. At the last annual meeting, it will be remembered, the Licensing Justices expressed an opinion that in the lower part of the town there were already existing a very large number of licensed houses, not compatible with the population.

The justices on that occasion advised those concerned to discuss the matter amongst themselves with a view to the voluntary closing of some of their premises. Such an arrangement would, of course, be far better than the justices should exercise their powers and refuse to grant the renewal of licences. It will be interesting to note on Wednesday what “the trade” has done in this matter in the course of the past twelve months. All are agreed that there is an excess of public houses and beer-shops in the vicinity of the harbour – in some of which the licensee finds it impossible to obtain adequate livelihood.

Apart from the temperance party, a deputation of residents conferred with the justices the other day, and a petition has also been presented, signed by the whole of the clergy and ministers in the borough, as well as by local traders and influential residents. It is to be hoped that on Wednesday such arrangements will be announced as will give satisfaction to all parties concerned.
 
Folkestone Chronicle 13-2-1904

Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 10th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Cols. Fynmore, Westropp, and Hamilton, Messrs. C.J. Pursey and E.T. Ward.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) read his annual report, which contained interesting figures with regard to drunkenness, etc. No person in Folkestone had yet been convicted a sufficient number of times to be placed on the “black list”. The Chief Constable objected to the renewal of the licence of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and asked that the consideration of this licence might be deferred until the adjourned sessions.

The Chairman then read the Justices` Report, which stated that the number of licensed houses in Folkestone, and especially around the harbour, was out of all proportion to the population. The number of licences had not been reduced, owing to the fact that a Bill amending the Licensing Laws was shortly to be introduced in Parliament. Certain public houses – the Imperial Brewery Tap, the Hope, the East Cliff Tavern, the Victoria, the Lifeboat Inn, the Duke Of Edinburgh, and the Channel Inn had been inspected by the Justices, and recommendations with regard to their sanitary improvement and closing of back entries were made.

Mr. John Minter said that water had been laid on at the Channel Inn since the report on the bad state of the sanitary arrangements. Mr. Minter also suggested with regard to the Imperial Brewery Tap that a public bar should be made with an entrance from Mill Bay.

The Bench decided, however, that the orders made in the report should be adhered to.

Licences were then granted to the lessees of public houses and licensed premises.

Mr. Minter applied for full licences for Mr. W.T. Tame and Mr. Gregory, but no new facts were forthcoming and the Bench declined to grant them, stating that they would grant no new licences this year.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-2-1904

Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 10th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Cols. Fynmore, Westropp, and Hamilton, Messrs. C.J. Pursey and E.T. Ward.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) read his annual report, which contained interesting figures with regard to drunkenness, etc. No person in Folkestone had yet been convicted a sufficient number of times to be placed on the “black list”. The Chief Constable objected to the renewal of the licence of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and asked that the consideration of this licence might be deferred until the adjourned sessions.

The Chairman then read the Justices` Report, which stated that the number of licensed houses in Folkestone, and especially around the harbour, was out of all proportion to the population. The number of licences had not been reduced, owing to the fact that a Bill amending the Licensing Laws was shortly to be introduced in Parliament. Certain public houses – the Imperial Brewery Tap, the Hope, the East Cliff Tavern, the Victoria, the Lifeboat Inn, the Duke Of Edinburgh, and the Channel Inn had been inspected by the Justices, and recommendations with regard to their sanitary improvement and closing of back entries were made.

Mr. John Minter said that water had been laid on at the Channel Inn since the report on the bad state of the sanitary arrangements. Mr. Minter also suggested with regard to the Imperial Brewery Tap that a public bar should be made with an entrance from Mill Bay.

The Bench decided, however, that the orders made in the report should be adhered to.

Licences were then granted to the lessees of public houses and licensed premises.

Mr. Minter applied for full licences for Mr. W.T. Tame and Mr. Gregory, but no new facts were forthcoming and the Bench declined to grant them, stating that they would grant no new licences this year.

Folkestone Herald 13-2-1904

Editorial

At the Folkestone Licensing Sessions, on Wednesday last, an important pronouncement upon the licensing question was made from the Bench. It will be remembered that a year ago it was intimated by the Justices that unless the owners of public houses submitted a scheme for the voluntary surrender of a number of licences in the borough, the Magistrates would themselves deal with the matter. On Wednesday, however, it was stated by Mr. Wightwick, on behalf of himself and his colleagues, that in view of the announcement in the King`s Speech that the Government intended to introduce in the House of Commons, during the present Session, a bill to amend the Licensing Laws, the Bench were of opinion that they ought not, at the present time, to exercise the powers which they possessed. At the Hythe Brewster Sessions, on Tuesday, it was stated that the Justices had arrived at a similar decision. We believe that this attitude will commend itself to all except those holding extreme views on this thorny subject. It having been officially intimated in Parliament that the Government propose dealing with this question, it seems only right and proper that, for the present, at any rate, the Magistrates should stay their hand. The promised legislation may alter the complexion of the matter to a very considerable extent and may render easy of solution a problem which, in the present state of the law, presents many difficulties.

Folkestone Herald 14-1-1905

Editorial

Touching the temperance question, the new Licensing Act, concerning which there has been such a display of feeling, came into force, as readers have already been reminded, with the opening of the New Year. In view of the situation set up by this much-maligned measure, the Folkestone Brewster Sessions, which will be held on February 8th, will have a special interest. It can hardly be denied that in certain portions of the borough public houses are numerically far in excess of the requirements of the community, and all schools of thought will be expectant as to the actual operation of the Act and the results of its working. There are those who in all sincerity express doubt as to any substantial benefit in the shape of a lessening of the amount of excessive drinking accruing, but it can scarcely be seriously argued that it is for the good of the populace that liquor shops should abound so plentifully as is the case in some quarters of the town. Now, too, that provision has been made for compensation in respect to houses which may be ordered to close their bars the objections which formerly obtained against the reduction of the licensed premises on the ground that such reduction could not be brought about without a policy of spoliation distasteful to the British sense of justice and fair play are removed. We are quite aware that to this principle of compensation for licences which are withheld because it is believed there is no real need for them there is strong antagonism on the part of some total abstainers, and in some quarters there is a  disposition to re-discuss the measure. But the Act is an accomplished fact, and we may expect to see it administered in the same manner as the other laws of the country are carried into effect. Seeing that the money for the purposes of compensation is to come out of the pockets of the licensed victuallers themselves, it is difficult to understand the position of temperance advocates who are denouncing the Act as a measure designed for the benefit of the trade. But Sir Edward Sassoon, in his powerful letter to Sir Thomas Barlow, which was reprinted in our last issue, has so forcibly dealt with this point that we may well be content to let the matter rest for the present. We may, however, be permitted to make this suggestion regarding that communication. As stated last week, that letter is to be widely circulated in two other constituencies. If not now, then at a later date, when an election is more imminent, it might be as well to distribute broadcast throughout the Parliamentary borough of Hythe a leaflet bearing the text of Sir Edward Sassoon`s letter. So trenchantly, yet so tersely, does it deal with the question at issue that it could not fail to enlighten the public mind on the subject, and to materially help in stemming the torrent of misrepresentation and misunderstanding whereby political teetotallers seek to bias the electors against the Act.

Folkestone Daily News 25-1-1905

Local News

The Brewster Sessions for the renewal of licences take place on February 8th, and we are in a position to state that the authorities thoroughly recognise the general respectability of those engaged in the Folkestone licensing trade, and the creditable way in which the houses have been conducted during the past year.

In this conclusion they are strengthened by the official reports which will be in the hands of the public very shortly. Consequently no official action will be taken by either the Watch Committee or any other constituted authority.

The little clamour that is always being raised by fanatics as to the number of public houses in certain parts of Old Folkestone counts for nothing, and those who are unbiased, even teetotallers themselves, know full well that if half these houses were closed just as much drink would be sold, as none of those houses do anything like a crowded trade, many of them being practically like working men`s clubs, where they are in the habit of spending the evening more for social intercourse than drink. Of course such people as the Recorder are not conversant with these circumstances, and it cannot be expected that they could be.

Whether the local fanatics who have been playing the amateur detective game as vigilance committee intend to have a flutter or not, we neither know nor care, having every confidence in the fair judgement of the Licensing Bench, and probably the trade will be legally represented, so that these people who in their enthusiasm are careless of interfering with other people`s property, will not be allowed roving commissions to make exaggerated hearsay and extravagant statements which cannot be substantiated.

But if they decide to oppose anybody`s renewal it should be done in a legal manner, by sworn evidence, so that they might be cross-examined and fair justice meted out.

Southeastern Gazette 14-2-1905

The annual Licensing Sessions for the borough of Folkestone were held on Wednesday, when the Magistrates decided to hold over the renewal of the licenses of six houses until the Adjourned Sessions. The Chief Constable, in his annual report, stated that there was one licensed house to every 113 inhabitants. He referred especially to the congested areas in the neighbourhood of Tontine Street, Dover Street, and the Harbour.

Folkestone Herald 9-1-1909

Local News

At the East Kent Quarter Sessions at Canterbury on Tuesday, Lord Harris, referring to the amount to be paid under the Compensation Act, said it would be within the recollection of the Court that last year an appeal was made to them to reduce the charge, but at that time the Committee could not see their way to make any reduction having regard to the number of cases being presented to them, and the class of case, but it was hoped that as time went on the number recommended to be reduced would naturally fall off, and automatically a reduction in the charge would take place. That, however, had not been their experience that year, partly owing to one very expensive house at Folkestone, which the Justices and the Licensing Committee were very strongly of opinion ought to go, the particular objection to it being based upon the building itself rather than upon the condition of the trade, and after sending it back again it was sent up again, and the Committee felt bound to go on with it. That had been a very heavy charge upon the revenue of the Licensing Committee this year. He thought it would be premature, and even hazardous, rather, to make any reduction in the charge at present. At the same time, having regard to the fall in trade, one naturally felt sympathy with the trade that had to provide that charge. While he hoped sincerely that it might be possible some time in the future, and as soon as possible, to make some reduction, yet he did feel it would be hazardous at present to do so, and they felt bound to make the charge the same.

Lieut. Colonel Dickenson seconded, and this was agreed to.

Folkestone Express 6-2-1909

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 3rd: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Major Leggett, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Messrs. J. Stainer, W.C. Carpenter, W.G. Herbert, C. Jenner, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

The Chief Constable (Mr. H. Reeve) read his annual report as follows:- Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 125 premises licensed for the sail by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.:- Full licences 76; beer “on” 7; beer “off” 6; beer and spirit dealers 15; grocers, etc. 11; chemists 7; confectioners 3, total 125. This gives an average according to the Census of 1901 of one licence to every 245 persons, or one “on” licence to every 369 persons.

At the adjourned licensing meeting last year three licences (two full and one beer) were referred to the Compensation Committee on the ground of redundancy, and refused renewal by that Committee on the 9th July last.

Two of the houses, the Railway Inn, Beach Street, and the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street were closed after the payment of compensation on 28th September last.

The amount of compensation in the case of the other licence refused, viz., The Eagle, High Street, has not yet been settled. A provisional renewal of the licence will, therefore, be necessary, although the house has been closed for the sale of intoxicating drink since October last, the Excise licence, which expired on the 10th of that month, not having been renewed.

There are two houses licensed by the Inland Revenue Authorities for the sale of beer, wines and spirits, in certain quantities, off the premises, under the provisions of the Excise Acts, for which no Magistrates` certificate is required.

Since the last annual licensing meeting twelve of the licences have been transferred; one licence was transferred twice.

Three occasional licences were granted for the sale of drink on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and 40 extensions of the usual time of closing have been granted to licence holders when balls, dinners, etc., were being held on their premises.

During the year ended 31st December last 107 persons (86 males and 21 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness; 101 were convicted and six discharged. This is a decrease of 18 persons as compared with the preceding year. Of those proceeded against, 29 were residents, 17 non-residents, 48 of no fixed abode, and 13 were soldiers.

Two licence holders were proceeded against and convicted during the year, viz.:- Permitting drunkenness – fined 40s. and costs 11s.; selling beer to person when drunk – fined 20s. and costs 11s.

In the former case the house has since been closed under the provisions of the Compensation Act.

Fourteen clubs where intoxicating liquor is sold are registered in accordance with the Act of 1902.

There are sixteen places licensed for music and dancing and two for public billiard playing.

I have no objection to offer to the renewal of the present licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally being conducted in a satisfactory manner.

I have received notice of four applications to be made at these sessions for new licences, viz.:- one full licence, two beer “off”, and one billiard licence.

I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeves, Chief Constable.

Folkestone Daily News 7-4-1909

Wednesday, April 7th: Before Messrs. Ward, Fynmore, Herbert and Linton.

An application was made by Messrs. Leney and Co. for permission to make certain structural alterations to their public houses in the town to comply with the new Act relating to the serving of children. The representative gave a brief outline of the proposed alterations, but the Bench declined to accede to the application.

Folkestone Express 10-4-1909

Wednesday, April 7th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Messrs. W.G. Herbert and R.J. Linton.

An application was made on behalf of Messrs. Leney for sanction of structural alterations in certain of their public houses in order to comply with the Children`s Act. They desired to provide compartments where children could be supplied with beer in bottles where liquor was not consumed.

The Magistrates decided that it was too early to apply, and refused the application.

Folkestone Herald 10-4-1909

Wednesday, April 7th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonel R.J. Fynmore, Messrs. W.G. Herbert and R.J. Linton.

An application was made on behalf of Mr. Leney, by Mr. Bradley, of Dover, for permission for alterations at seven public houses to comply with the new Children`s Act, so that they could provide places where children could be served with bottles. Plans were produced showing the proposed alterations. The application was refused.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

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