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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.

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Saturday, 24 August 2013

Prince Albert 1900s



Folkestone Chronicle 30-4-1904

Wednesday, April 27th: Before Alderman J. Banks, Messrs. W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer.

Horace Small was summoned for allowing a chimney at the Prince Albert Hotel to be on fire on April 16th.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs.
 
Folkestone Express 30-4-1904

Wednesday, April 27th: Before Alderman J. Banks, W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Horace Small, of the Prince Albert Hotel, was summoned for allowing his chimney to be on fire on April 16th.

Insp. Lilley said he saw the chimney on fire. He went into the kitchen of the hotel and saw the chimney on fire. Defendant was trying to extinguish the fire. He admitted the chimney had not been swept for some time, probably not since last spring.

Defendant said he was entirely in the Magistrates` hands.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Chronicle 19-11-1904

On Tuesday morning the first of a series of Excise prosecutions was opened at the Folkestone Police Court (the Woodward Institute), before Mr. W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.

Great interest was taken in the proceedings, which lasted from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The summonses were laid against well-known traders, and in all cases related to the alleged selling of beers, wines, or spirits without a licence. The prosecution, at the instance of the Inland Revenue Department, was conducted by Mr. J.H. Shaw, barrister.

Dominico Flessati (of Flessati`s Restaurant, Rendezvous Street) and Horace Small, landlord of the Prince Albert Hotel, were proceeded against on three informations for selling wine and spirit without a licence.

In this case it was contended that a commission arrangement between the defendants made them practically partners, and that Small was, therefore, extending his business upon unlicensed premises. There was a ticket system in vogue, and the witnesses alleged that Small appeared to clear 9d. upon every bottle of a certain brand sold at Flessati`s premises.

Mr. Small`s explanation was this:- The fact is, I have an arrangement with Mr. Flessati. We keep all the tickets, total them up, and I allow 15 percent on the total, except for four ale”.

Flessati at first denied any arrangement, but afterwards produced a book of counterfoils, saying, however, that he made nothing out of the arrangement unless Mr. Small made him a present.

In Court Mr. Small made a candid admission that he did allow the commission, and said he did not look upon it as an offence.

Flessati`s version was that the tickets had been printed to keep the waiters honest. He still denied any commission arrangement, but if Mr. Small liked to make him a present he would accept it.

The Bench convicted both defendants, and fined them £1 for each offence, and 9s. costs, the total amount being £4 17s. each.

In the case of Mr. Small, whose plea of Not Guilty had not been withdrawn, Mr. Minter at once gave notice of appeal.
 

Folkestone Express 19-11-1904
 
Tuesday, November 15th: Before W.G. Herbert and J. Stainer Esqs.

After the adjournment Dominico Flassati and Horace Small answered three summonses against them for selling wine and spirits without a licence at 28, Rendezvous Street. Mr. Shaw again prosecuted, and Mr. Minter defended.

Mr. Shaw detailed the evidence he should call. He submitted that Flessati was acting as agent to Small, who was the landlord of the Prince Albert Hotel. Then Flessati instructed his waiters only to go to the other defendant`s hotel, so really the customer was not a free agent in the matter.

Mr. Davies said on August 15th, accompanied by Mr. Cope, he went to Mr. Flessati`s restaurant, leaving Messrs. Hayward and Bate outside, at five minutes past one. They ordered lunch. On the table next to theirs there was a wine list headed “Prince Albert Hotel”. Referring to the list, witness ordered a bottle of beaune. The waiter asked for the money, and it being quoted on the list at 2s. 6d., he gave him half a crown. The wine was served at 1.20. At 1.28 he ordered two liqueurs of brandy, and the waiter asked for the money and enquired if they wanted fourpenny or sixpenny brandy. Witness gave him 1s., and said “Sixpenny”. He saw the waiter come in and go to the counter at which Mr. Flessati was standing. He was carrying a tumbler, and the waiter filled two liqueur glasses and put the tumbler containing the remainder of the brandy on one side. Mr. Flessati was standing by the side of the waiter all the time. They drank the brandy. Witness paid the bill and left at 1.45. On August 17th they went again at eight o`clock, leaving Hayward and Cope outside. Witness ordered two liqueurs of brandy, and the waiter asked for the money, so witness gave him a shilling. The waiter left, and returned at 8.02, and he got the coffee, filled two liqueur glasses from the tumbler, and placed the glasses in front of them, and he also placed the tumbler containing a portion of the randy further up the table. They left at ten minutes past eight. On August 30th witness went to the Prince Albert and saw Mr. Small. He told him who he was, and that he wished to obtain his explanation of selling intoxicating liquors to Mr. Flessati and whether he had any arrangement with Mr. Flessati. He replied he had no arrangement whatever. Witness then said “What about the pink tickets which were handed over by the waiters?” He replied he did not know anything about any pink tickets. Mr. Cope said “Oh, yes, you do. I can go and find them for you in the bar if you like”. Mr. Cope went out and came back with about 200 tickets relating to beer, wine and spirits. Defendant then said he had the tickets, and it was Mr. Flessati`s arrangement. Witness asked him for a wine list, and it was a facsimile of the other list obtained at Mr. Flessati`s. He said he had an arrangement with Mr. Flessati and allowed 15 percent on the total except for four ale. On the same day he went to Mr. Flessati at 28, Rendezvous Street. He said he had carried on business there for three months, and that the only excise licences he held were a refreshment house keeper`s licence and a tobacco dealer`s licence. Witness asked him for his wine list, and he produced one for him. He also asked him if he had any arrangement with Mr. Small, and defendant replied “None whatever”. Witness asked him about the pink ticket arrangement, and he said there were no such things as pink tickets. He told defendant he was aware there were pink tickets and asked him to get the book which he took them from. He went downstairs with Mr. Cope, and they returned with the book which bore his initials. Then Flessati made the following statement before the tickets were produced: The wine is supplied by Henry Small, who is a friend. I have no other list except Mr. Small`s. The waiters must go to Mr. Small`s. When a customer asks for beer or spirits, the waiter asks for the money. If a customer asks for half a bottle of beaune, the waiter asks for 2s. 6d.”. Witness also asked him when he balanced up, and he replied “We never balance up”. Witness asked him who proposed the arrangement, and he replied he did. He said he made nothing out of the arrangement. Witness told him he did make something out of the arrangement, and that Mr. Small gave him a commission. He said Mr. Small did not allow him anything, but if he gave him a present he would take it. He further said he had no arrangement by which Mr. Small was to allow him a commission, and denied that he had made arrangements for Mr. Small to give him 15 percent commission. Witness asked him about the liqueur brandy, and defendant said he only charged 4d. for a liqueur brandy. Witness put it to him specifically that one of his waiters had taken 1s. for two brandies, and that he fetched it in a tumbler and poured out half of it under Mr. Flessati`s eyes into the liqueur glasses. Defendant said it was not true.

Mr. Cope said he accompanied Mr. Davis to the restaurant, and afterwards when he saw Mr. Small and Mr. Flessati. He corroborated the previous witness`s statement.

Mr. Hayward said on August 15th he kept observation on the premises during the whole time Mr. Davies and Mr. Cope were inside. At 1.17 a waiter left the premises and went to the Prince Albert. He asked for a small bottle of burgundy, and paid 2s. 6d. and handed in a pink slip. He received a bottle of beaune and took it back to the restaurant. At 1.30 the same waiter went to the Prince Albert and asked for eight pennyworth of brandy, carrying a tumbler. He was served with the brandy and returned. On August 18th he kept observation on the house. At 7.50 the waiter went to the Prince Albert and called for eight pennyworth of brandy. He paid for it and handed in a pink slip.

Mr. Bate, who was in company with Mr. Hayward, corroborated the latter`s evidence so far as seeing the waiter leave Mr. Flessati`s premises. He said he had been to the public house and asked the price of a small bottle of brandy over the counter, and he was told 1s. 9d.

Mr. Pinnex gave evidence that Mr. Flessati did not hold a licence to sell intoxicating liquors.

This concluded the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Small gave evidence on oath. He said he was the landlord of the Prince Albert. With regard to the wine lists, he had them on the counter of the various rooms, and anyone was at liberty to take one. Anyone asking for one, he was willing to give him one. With regard to Mr. Flessati, he did not in any instance supply him with anything without receiving the full amount over the counter. As an inducement to him to deal with him he told him he would allow him 15 percent on goods supplied to him with the exception of beer. There was nothing to prevent him going elsewhere if he chose.

Cross-examined, he said in his opinion he thought it was quite a legitimate action. He did not deny he had the pink tickets. He had not given Mr. Flessati the 15 percent, but had told him he would. He denied selling a bottle of beaune for 1s. 9d.

Mr. Flessati also gave evidence. He said he never sent for anything to the Prince Albert. The tickets were used as checks against the waiters. The liqueur brandies were 6d.

Mr. Minter contended that Mr. Small had nothing to do with the case, because he was at liberty to sell to anyone over the counter.

The Chairman said the Magistrates were of the opinion that the sale did take place on unlicensed premises, so they were bound to convict. They were not going to inflict the full penalties, which were £50 in two cases and £20 in the other. They would each be fined the same as the other defendants, 20s. and 9s. costs in each case.

Mr. Minter gave notice that Small would appeal against the Magistrates` decision.

Folkestone Herald 19-11-1904

Local News

At the sitting of the Folkestone Bench on Tuesday, the hearing of a bunch of summonses taken out by the Excise Authorities against several local tradesmen was commenced. The Magistrates present were Alderman W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.

There were three summonses against Dominica Flessati and Horace Small in respect of selling alcoholic liquors on premises in Rendezvous Street. Mr. Shaw prosecuted and Mr. Minter defended.

Mr. Davies stated that on the 15th August, accompanied by Mr. Cope, he went to Flessati`s Restaurant  in Rendezvous Street about one o`clock and ordered lunch. On the table adjoining that at which they sat was a wine list similar to the one produced, which was headed “Prince Albert Hotel, proprietor H. Small”. Witness ordered a bottle of Beaune. The waiter asked for the money, and witness gave him 2s. 6d., the price quoted on the price list. He left the shop, and shortly afterwards came back and gave witness what he ordered. Witness later on ordered some liqueur brandy. The waiter again asked for the money, and left the shop. Witness watched him, and saw him enter Small`s house and return with the brandy. Flessati was standing by the counter, and the whole thing was done in front of him. Witness went to the shop again at eight in the evening, and ordered some coffee and two liqueurs. The waiter asked for the money, and witness gave him 1s. He left the shop, and returned and filled witness two liqueur glasses from a tumbler. On the 30th August witness went to the Prince Albert Hotel and saw Small. Witness told him who he was, and asked for an explanation with reference to selling liqueurs at Flessati`s. Witness also asked him if he had any arrangements with Mr. Flessati as to the sale of liqueurs. He said “There is no arrangement whatever”. Witness said “What about the pink tickets which are handed over by the waiters?” “Pink tickets?” he said. Witness replied “Yes”. He said “I don`t know anything about pink tickets”. Mr. Cope said “Oh, yes, you do. I can go and find them at the bar for you if you like”. Mr. Cope went to the shop and brought some of the tickets back. Small then said “I have tickets; it was Mr. Flessati who arranged it”. Witness asked for a wine list and Small handed him the one produced. Witness pointed to a bottle of Beaune on it (2s. 6d. a bottle). Witness told him it was only 1s. 9d. a bottle. Defendant then said “I have come to an arrangement with Mr. Flessati. We keep all these tickets and total up, and I allow him 15 percent on the total, except for ales”. Witness subsequently saw Flessati at his premises. Witness asked him how many licences he had, and ge replied “I have only a refreshment house keeper`s and tobacco licence”. Witness then asked for his wine list, and he handed him the one produced. Witness further asked him if he had any arrangement with Mr. Small, and he replied “None whatever”. Witness then asked him about the pink ticket arrangement. Mr. Flessati made the following statement before he produced the tickets:- “The wine is supplied by Horace Small, who is a friend. I have no other wine list except Mr. Small`s. We have everything fair, that is at Mr. Small`s. The waiter must go to Mr. Small`s. When a customer asks for beer, wines, or spirits, the waiter asks for the money. If a customer asks for half a bottle of Beaune, the waiter asks for 2s. 6d. I do not send a ticket”. Asked when he balanced up, he replied “We never balance up” Witness asked him who proposed the arrangement as to the tickets, and he replied that he did. He added that he did not make anything out of the arrangement, nor did Mr. Small allow him anything. “No discount?” queried witness, to which he replied “Certainly not. If he gave me a present I would take it”. Witness put it to Mr. Flessati that by arrangement with Mr. Small, he received a 15 percent commission, but that he denied. Asked about a liqueur brandy, he said that fourpence would be the price of it, and he never charged more. Witness said “During this month two liqueur brandies were called for, and the waiter asked for 1s. He left, and brought the brandy in a tumbler, poured out half the brandy into two little glasses under your eyes, and brought the two liqueurs to the customers”. Flessati denied that.

Alfred Wm. Cope proved accompanying Mr. Davies to the restaurant and to Mr. Small`s, and corroborated.

James John Hayward said that, acting upon instructions, he and a companion named Bate kept observations outside the house during the time that Mr. Davies and Mr. Cope were inside the house. At 1.17 p.m. a waiter left the premises and went to the Prince Albert public house. He asked for a small bottle of Beaune and paid 2s. 6d., at the same time handing in a pink slip. There was 2s. 6d. written on the slip. He received a bottle of Beaune, and took it back to the restaurant. At half past one the same waiter went to the Prince Albert public house, and asked for 8d. worth of brandy, and handed in a pink slip. He was carrying a tumbler. He was served with the brandy, and returned to the restaurant. A lady was serving behind the bar. On the 18th August he kept up further observations. Just before eight o`clock a waiter went to the Prince Albert public house and called for 8d. worth of brandy. He paid 8d. for it and handed in a pink slip.

Mr. Bate corroborated all that had been said, except as to the amounts paid. He went to the public house and asked the price of a small bottle of Beaune, and learned that it was 1s. 9d.

In reply to Mr. Minter, witness said he knew that there were different qualities of Beaune.

Horace Small, landlord of the Prince Albert, was next called in his own defence. He had some wine lists printed, and anybody was at liberty to take one from the coffee and dining-room tables. Anybody asking for a wine list would be given one. If he got a good order he would allow his customer a discount. With regard to Mr. Flessati, he had never been supplied with beers, wines, or spirits, unless he received full payment over his counter. As an inducement to Mr. Flessati to deal with him, witness did promise him 15 percent on all the goods he had from him. There was nothing to prevent him going elsewhere if he wished.

Cross-examined by Mr. Shaw: In his opinion the transaction was a perfectly legitimate one. The allowance of 15 percent had not been given, although it was promised. He had never sold a bottle of Beaune at 1s. 9d. to some people, and charged 2s. 6d. whenever it was wanted for the restaurant. He knew his barmaids were taking the tickets from the waiters, but, personally, he had not examined them.

Dominica Flessati, the proprietor of the restaurant, stated that when he sent out he sent to the Prince Albert, but he had never sent for any quantity of beer, wines and spirits without the real amount of money received from the customer. The idea of using the tickets was to ensure that the waiters went to the Prince Albert. It would have been possible for them, otherwise, to have gone to different public houses for the beer, obtained it cheaper, and pocketed the difference.

Mr. Minter having addressed the Bench, the Chairman announced that his colleagues and he were of opinion that the sale undoubtedly took place at the restaurant, and not on the licensed premises. The penalty in two of the cases was £50, and in the other £20. They would, however, inflict the same penalty as in the previous cases, of £1 for each defendant on each summons, and 9s. costs on each summons.

Mr. Minter gave notice of appeal in the case of Mr. Small.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-3-1905

Local News

It is with profound regret that we reprint the following paragraph from the London Evening News of the 16th inst.

During the inquest here today on Dudley John Jeffrey, aged 39, formerly manager of an hotel, it was stated that he had gone to his mother-in-law`s house and said “See me take my last drink”.

She did not take much notice of the remark, as he had previously threatened suicide.

Subsequently arrested on a charge of being drunk, he was found dead in a police cell.

Death was found to have been caused by chloroform, of which he had taken two ounces. In the doctor`s opinion life would have been saved had aid been summoned immediately after he drank the contents of the glass.

Returning a verdict of suicide, the jury said the mother-in-law should have more carefully examined the bottle which Jeffrey left on the shelf at her house.

Those who knew the deceased will be best able to link together the tragic chain of events which have had such a fatal ending. Folkestonians will remember the open-handed, generous (too generous), high spirited “Dudley”, who tried his luck at many occupations, but never struck a seam which led to success. In a minor degree the deceased was much of the calibre of the late Marquis of Anglesey – fond of outward adornment and always careless of expense.

Note: His age at death opens the question whether it WAS the same man at both the Prince Albert and the Guildhall.

Folkestone Daily News 3-3-1906

Local News

We regret to announce that Mr. Horace Small, the well-known proprietor of the Prince Albert Hotel, passed away early this morning. He had resided in Folkestone for the last fifteen years, during which time he had endeared himself to everyone with whom he had come into contact, and departs without leaving an enemy behind. Two years since he was seized with a malignant disease, and for many months past all hope of his recovery had been abandoned. His age was 52, and he was a native of Tenterden. He was unmarried, but leaves a sister and brother. The sister, Mrs. Jacobs, has been with him at the Prince Albert for several years. We, with all who knew Mr. Small, offer our deepest sympathy to his sorrowing relatives.

Folkestone Herald 10-3-1906

Local News

With deep regret we record the death of Mr. H. Small, the genial landlord of the Prince Albert Hotel, which sad event occurred early on the morning of Saturday last. The deceased, who was 52 years of age, had for some time past been suffering from diabetes. He was well known in the town and district. He was a respected Freemason, belonging to the St. Leonard Lodge, and a staunch member of the Constitutional Club. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon.

Folkestone Daily News 11-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before Messrs. E.T. Ward, R.J. Linton, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Mrs. Lizzie Jacobs, one of the executors of the late Mr. Horace Small, on the application of Mr. H.W. Watts, was granted the temporary transfer of the licence of the Prince Albert Hotel. Mr. Watts mentioned that it was proposed to sell the business, and that would necessitate another application at an early date.

Folkestone Chronicle 14-4-1906

On Wednesday morning, at the Borough Police Court, Mr. E.T. Ward presiding, the ordinary business was preceded by a special licensing sessions.

Mrs. Lizzie Jacobs, one of the executors of the will of Mr. Horace Small, was granted the temporary transfer of the licence of the Prince Albert Hotel, Rendezvous Street.

Folkestone Express 14-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and R.J. Linton Esq.

The following licence was transferred: The Prince Albert Hotel, from the late Mr. H. Small to Mrs. Jacob

Folkestone Herald 14-4-1906

Wednesday, April 11th: Before The Mayor, Alderman T.J. Vaughan, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Mr. E.T. Ward and Mr. R.J. Linton.

A special session for the transfer of alehouse licences was held. Application was made and granted as follows: The licence of the Prince Albert to Mrs. Jacob 
 

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