General Licensing Notes 1960s

Folkestone Herald 13-2-1960

Annual Licensing Sessions

Eight more persons were convicted for drunkenness during last year than in 1958, Superintendent J. Kierons, “J” Division, said in his report, presented at the annual Folke­stone Licensing Sessions on Wednesday.

Two of the 21 persons pro­ceeded against for drunken­ness were charged with being in charge of motor vehicles whilst under the influence of

drink. The total number of premises licensed for the sale of intoxi­cating liquor was 122, one for every 370 persons. There were 41 registered clubs in the Borough, two having been struck off since they ceased to exist. Fifteen occasional licences were granted, and 2,664 extensions of hours, against 31 and 2,013 in 1958. Superintendent Keirons said there were 82 premises in the Borough which had music and dancing licences, an increase of two. A total of 375 visits had been made by police to licensed premises, and, in addition, others holding music and dancing licences were visited. It was found that they were generally well conducted. There were four suspended licences held, these being the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, The Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street, The Swan, Dover Road and the Royal Pavilion Hotel. These were either destroyed or badly damaged by enemy action during the war. The Royal Pavilion Hotel, he concluded, which was held by a Government Department until December, 1954, had not yet been re-opened.

Chairman of the Magistrates (Ald. N.O. Baker) first welcomed Superintendent Keirons to Folkestone, it being his first appearance in open Court. “The report you have just read portrays a very satisfac­tory state of affairs, which is due to a large extent to the proficiency of your officers and personnel”, the Chairman said. “We trust that the good re­lations between yourselves and the general public will remain for many years to come.” Speaking to the licensees, Ald. Baker said “I say once again how grateful we are to you for your contribution in making this good report possible”. He attributed the slight increase in cases of drunkenness to the intensive season experienced last year, and said it was only a temporary matter. Licensees had maintained the standard for some years of keeping Folkestone to the fore as a very law-abiding place. The drunkenness, he said, must not be taken as a blot on their copy-books. Those offences had a very good result of keeping the licensees on their toes to do better next year. “I am sure that the public of Folkestone has every reason to be proud of you, and we appreciate that you keep a lot of incidents from happening by the tactful manner in which you deal with the difficulties that arise on occasion. I hope that the next year will be no exception, and that we may all meet again and find that this slight increase has been wiped out”, the Chairman concluded.

Ald. Baker announced that all the licences would be re­newed.

Folkestone Gazette 23-3-1960

Local News

Folkestone Magistrates yesterday refused to grant an application by Mr. Norman Franks, on behalf of the Licensed Vicutallers` Association, for extensions of licensing hours at Whitsun. Mr. Franks said he would be away when he would normally make the application.

The Chairman (Alderman N.O. Baker) said the application would not be granted because too long a time would elapse before the extensions became effective. He advised Mr. Pranks to make a further application at a later date. The following Easter exten­sions were granted: April 14^th, 10.30 to 11.00 p.m.; 16^th, 10.30 to 11.00; 17^th, 10.00 to 10.30; 18^th, 10.30 to 11.00.

 

Folkestone Herald 12-11-1960

Local News

Public houses in Folkestone will stay open until 11 p.m. on Friday, December 23^rd, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day this year. On Ne Year`s Eve they will be open until 12.15 a.m. on January 1^st.

These extensions of permitted licensing hours were granted by the Folkestone Justices on Tuesday.

Folkestone Herald 11-2-1961

Annual Licensing Sessions

Convictions for drunkenness in Folkestone during the past year totalled 22, one more than in the previous year, Folkestone Justices were told at the annual Brewster Sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

In his annual report, Superintendent J. Kierons, of Folkestone, said that six of the drink offences were in respect of people who were charged with being in charge of motor vehicles while under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control over them. He said that the total number of premises in the borough licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor was 123, one for every 367 persons, based on the population figure arrived at in the 1951 Census. Of these 86 were run on publicans` licences and 32 were run on types of off licences. Supt. Kierons stated: “These figures differ from 1960 in that the Highcliffe Hotel was granted a publican`s licence. The Prince of Wales and the Star and Garter were granted full licences, having previously held beer and wine licences. The licence of the Royal Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone Harbour, was taken out of suspension. The cider licence in respect of 21a, Marshall Street was not renewed. There were eight transfers in respect of licensed premises in 1960”. The Superintendent said that 378 visits were made by the police to licensed premises during the year under review; in addition, other premises holding music and dancing licences were also visited. It was found that these premises were generally well-conducted. The total number of regis­tered clubs within the borough was 42. One club did not re­register, but two additional clubs were registered. During the year 11 occasional licences and 1,899 extensions of permitted hours were granted. Of these 173 were in respect of registered clubs. The figures compared with 15 occasional licences and 2,664 extensions of hours in 1959.

The Chairman, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, stated “We are very pleased to hear such a satisfactory and clear report. It seems that the licensees have conducted themselves in a satisfactory manner”. Commenting that the Justices were delighted to hear that there had been no contravention of the licensing laws, Mr. Fuller told the assembled licensees “We now have much pleasure in saying that all your licences will be renewed”.

Folkestone Herald 11-3-1961

Local News

Folkestone Justices on Wednesday granted the following extensions of licensing hours for all public houses in the borough during the forth­coming holiday periods: Easter: Thursday, March 30^th; Saturday, April 1^st; Mon­day, April 3^rd: 10.30 to 11 p.m. Sunday, April 2^nd: 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Whitsun: Friday, May 12^th; Saturday, May 13^th; Monday, May 15^th; 10.30 to 11 p.m. Sun­day, May 14^th: 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Folkestone Herald 17-2-1962

Annual Licensing Sessions

Drinking hours in licensed premises in Folkestone are to be extended as from March 1^st. Licensees will be able to open half-an-hour earlier each weekday morning, and close half- an-hour later on Friday and Saturday evenings. Details of the new opening times are: Monday to Thursday (inclusive), 10 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. These times were approved by the Folkestone Justices at the Folkestone Brewster Sessions on Wednesday, on the application of Mr. Norman Franks, representing the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers` Association. Also from March onwards licensed houses can stay open on Sundays for an extra half-an-hour until 10.30 p.m. under the provisions of the 1961 Licensing Act. The new times for Sunday will therefore be: 12 noon – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Mr. Franks told the Justices “From time to time the Licensed Victuallers have come and offered their views as to the requirements of the public, and their views have in general been accepted and have been generally helpful to you in understanding the requirements of the borough and the people in it. I do suggest there can be no better evidence of the requirements of the borough than the evidence of the Licensed Victuallers”.

The only opposition to the application was contained in a letter to the Court from a woman resident of Cheriton Road. She stated there was already far too much noise late at night, not only in the road in which she lived, but in many other parts of the town. She complained of “drunken brawling”, particularly by Irishmen and soldiers. "To grant a further extension would be like heaping coals on the fire”, her letter added.

The Chairman, Mr. P.V. Gurr, stated “The magistrates feel that the publicans know the reasonable requirements of their customers, and we agree to the application”.

Supt. J. Kierans, presenting his annual report to the Justices, said that 37 people were convicted in Folkestone last year for offences of drunkenness, an increase of 15 on the total for 1960.   Four of them were for driving or being in charge of motor vehicles while under the influence of drink, a decrease of two on the 1960 figure. Two dozen of those convicted had been drunk and disorderly, and nine drunk and incapable. Among those convicted, local residents numbered 23, vagrants three, and servicemen four. Supt Keirans said that the number of places licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor in the borough was 126, one for every 358 persons (based on the population for the 1951 Census). This total included 90 premises holding publican`s licences and two which were licensed for the sale of wines, sweets and cider on the premises. There were 33 off-licensed premises, including 16 shops where other goods were sold. There was also one restaurant licence. “These figures differ from 1960 in that off-licences were granted in respect of the premises at 135, Church Road, Cheriton, and 1a, Hollands Avenue”, Supt. Keirans continued. “Publican`s on licences were granted to the Hotel Ambassador, Wyndhams Hotel. White House Hotel and the Corner House Hotel. The Military Tavern, which had previously held a beer and wine licence, was granted a full publican`s licence. The licence for the George III was not renewed”. Continuing his report, Supt. Keirans said there were 15 transfers in respect of licensed premises during 1961, and 14 occasional licences and 2,044 extensions of hours were granted. That compared with 11 occasional licences and 1,899 extensions of hours in 1960. The total number of registered clubs within the borough was 43. There were 84 premises licensed for music and/or dancing, 27 of which had licences for the use of wireless only. Supt. Keirans added “Three hundred and ninety one visits were made by the police during the year under review, and in addition other premises holding music and dancing licences were also visited. It was found they were generally well-conducted”.

Thanking Supt. Keirans for his very informative report, the Chairman, Mr. P.V. Gurr, commented “The Bench are, of course, worried at the increase in drunkenness shown. Although we understand this is unfortunately a general feature over the whole country, Folkestone, with an increase of 15 convictions to a total of 37, shows up very badly compared with some of the adjoining districts. Dover, for instance, reported 13 cases, which was a decrease of eight compared with the previous year. Canterbury, with seven cases, comes out with only half the previous year`s total. Margate reported 18 in the year, which was a decrease of eight. Running a licensed house offers great difficulties at times, but we ask licensees to watch this position very closely, and so enable us to get back to the more reasonable figures”, the Chairman continued. “In the case of some licensed houses we are aware that the lay-out does not permit the best supervision of all parts, and we assure you that plans for any alterations submitted to us which show an improvement in this direction will receive our most careful consideration. We note that 391 visits of inspection were paid by the police during the year, and we are sure licensees will give close attention to any suggestions they may make during these visits. Last year the new Licensing Act was passed, and this does not encourage more intensive drinking as some people seem to think, but rather wipes out many anomalies of the previous Acts, some of which, in the interests of common sense, were undoubtedly bypassed in certain cases when opportunity offered”. Mr. Gurr expressed the appreciation of the Justices for the help received during the year from the Superintendent and his officers, from Mr. R.S. Sidle, the Justices` Clerk, and his assistant, and from the solicitors who dealt with licensing cases. He added “At the same time I am sure you will share our deep regret at the passing of Mr. Orris, after having been assistant to the Clerk for some 40 years. He was always so very knowledgeable and helpful to all he met in the course of his work. Mr. Winchester has now been promoted to this position”. Mr. Gurr concluded “All licences will be renewed by the Justices”.

 

Folkestone Herald 16-2-1963

Annual Licensing Sessions

Convictions for drunkenness in Folkestone in 1962 totalled 27, a decrease of 10 com­pared with the 1961 figure. But even so it compared unfavourably with the records of neighbouring towns - 12 at Dover, 12 at Can­terbury, and 15 at Ashford.

At Folkestone Brewster Sessions on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Justices, Mr. P.V. Gurr, asked the assembled licensees to watch this aspect carefully throughout the coming year. He pointed out that the figure of 27 covered only those who had been convicted. “You will all be aware”, he added, “that there are a large number of other drunks who manage to find their own way home safely”.

In his annual report to the Justices, Supt. W.M. Peck, of Folkestone Police, said that three of the 27 convictions were for driving or being in charge of motor vehicles while under the influence of drink. This was a decrease of one on the comparable figure for 1961. He said that the total number of premises in the town licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor was 156, approximately one for every 283 persons, based on the population recorded in the 1961 Census. These included 91 publicans` licences, 32 off-licences, 11 residential licences, eight restaurant licences, nine residential and restaurant licences, and three licensed clubs. These figures differed from those of 1961 in that a publican`s licence was granted to the Lismore Hotel, and the off-licence of the Foord Road Tavern was not renewed. In addition, 11 residential licences, seven restaurant licences and nine combined residential and restaurant licences were granted. Three clubs were granted Justices` on-licences. Three premises, the Queen`s Hotel, Majestic Hotel and Royal Kent Hotel were vacant and not being used as licensed premises. The total number of registered clubs within the borough was 31. Two new clubs were registered and 14 clubs did not re-register. So far as music and dancing licences were concerned, a total of 47 premises were involved. This showed a decrease of 37 on the 1961 figures, 38 licences not being renewed and one new licence being granted. During the year there were 11 transfers in respect of licensed premises, and 35 occasional licences and 879 extensions of hours were granted. The latter figures compared with 14 occasional licences and 2,044 extensions in 1961. Police made 377 visits to licensed premises during the year, and in addition other premises holding music and dancing licences ewre also visited. It was found that hey were generally well-conducted.

Thanking Supt. Peck for his report, Mr. Gurr said “I think we shall all regard this as very satisfactory”. He said that Folkestone`s average of 283 people per licence compared with 429 at Ashford and 258 at Canterbury. Mr. Gurr continued “Concerning the substantial decrease in the number of extensions of hours granted during the year, this, of course, is mainly the result of the general extension of licensing hours, and the fact that the previous block applications for holidays were not necessary to be made. With regard to the police visits to licensed premises during the year, licence holders will realise that these visits are not for snooping purposes, but with a view to assisting the licence holders in their operations. I am sure any suggestions made by police when they call on these periodic visits are welcomed and acted on by the licensees. In the past the General Annual Licensing Meeting has always been a busy occasion for the granting of new licences, but with the abolition of the Licensing Planning Committee and the Confirming Authority, and the new statutory provisions whereby new licences can be granted at Transfer Sessions, the work is now spread out over the year. The Committee have considered many applications for new types of licences defined under the 1961 Act, and we are glad to see that the conditions of these new licences are apparently being observed”. Continuing, the Chairman said “Magistrates are very glad to have had before them during the year various plans for alterations to public houses, and have been pleased to agree to these, particularly in view of the improved supervision for the licensees, and the provision of indoor toilet accommodation for ladies and gentlemen. Any further applications making provision of this type will be favourably considered by the Licensing Committee. During the year a provisional licence has been granted in respect of premises to be built in Tile Kiln Lane, where an existing of-licence is to be surrendered, as the way the Biggins Wood area has built up certainly calls for a development on these lines, and having this house on the connection between Canterbury Road and Cheriton will also offer advantages”.

Mr. Gurr ended by announcing that all existing licences would be renewed.

Folkestone Herald 27-7-1963

Local News

Folkestone Justices on Tuesday granted 70 licensees of public houses in the town extensions for the August Bank Holiday period.

Applying for the orders of exemption from normal drinking hours, Mr. Norman Franks, on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers` Association, asked for the hours to be extended from 11 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Saturday, August 3^rd, from 11.30 a.m. to 12 noon on the Sunday, and from 10.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Bank Holiday Monday. He said that except for last year similar applications had been made in previous years. The licensees did not apply for extensions over the same period last year because they wanted to ascertain the effects of the new licensing laws. The majority now felt that as different areas were not affected in the same way it would be useful for the administration of their houses, and would fill a real need of the public, to have the extensions. Referring to the Sunday ex­tension, he said that trains and coaches from London and other districts arrived in Folke­stone at about 11 a.m. It had been found that it eased the situation generally to open the public houses at 11.30 a.m.

Chief Inspector F.D. Corke said the police had no objections to the extensions.

Folkestone Gazette 7-8-1963

Local News

Gambling machines in public houses throughout Folkestone, Hythe and district have been banned by two of the leading brewers in the area. Messrs. Mackeson’s Brewery, Hythe, announced last Thursday that they would not allow fruit machines in their houses. They were immediately fol­lowed by Messrs. Fremlm’s, of Maidstone, who issued in­structions to publicans to re­move all gambling machines. The other prominent brewery with houses in the area, Messrs. Ind Coope, have so far not given licensees any direction or instruction about “one-armed bandits”. Generally, the breweries feel that the machines are detri­mental to trade, but many licensees say the sale of beers and spirits has not been affected. They believe the re­moval of fruit machines will take away part of their liveli­hood.

In a letter sent to all licensees of Fremlin houses, the brewery state in their opinion it is not in the best long term interests of all concerned too allow gambling machines. Permits had been granted by local authorities in some areas and not others, which helped to confirm the view that it would be fairer if the brewery did not allow fruit machines in any houses. Machines were to be removed without delay.

Cmdr. N.C.M. Findlay, Managing Director of Messrs. Mackeson and Co., explained to The Gazette yesterday "We have been thinking hard about this question for a long time, and have come to the con­clusion that to allow these machines in public houses is a retrograde step. They are not wanted by local authorities, the police and, in many cases, Licensed Vic­tuallers’ Associations. We also feel this decision will be of con­siderable relief to many licen­sees - many have been forced to have these machines because nearby houses have them”.

The Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers Association called an emergency meeting of members yesterday afternoon at the London and Paris Hotel, Folkestone, to discuss the whole question.

 

Folkestone Herald 15-2-1964

Annual Licensing Sessions

Drunkenness in Folkestone decreased last year, as compared with 1962. This was re­ported by Superintendent W.M. Peck at the general annual licensing sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday “Twenty-two persons were proceeded against and convicted for offences of drunkenness, a decrease of five on 1962”, he told the justices. “Six of these were for driving or being in charge of motor vehicles whilst under the influence of drink, an increase of three on 1962”.

The Chairman, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, thanked the Superintendent for his report and the work of the police in this regard during the year.

Addressing the assembly of licensees and applicants, he said “I am always sorry to hear of any amount of drunkenness. I know it is very difficult for a licensee to tell a customer about his condition, but it must be done when it is required. Sometimes a judicious word to the person`s friends would assist a tactful control of the matter. Another difficulty concerns the sale of liquor to young people. We know how difficult it must be to decide whether young people are old enough to be served. But you all must do your utmost to see that young people under 18 are not served”.

All the licences were renewed. These total 155, and, according to Supt. Peck`s report, signify one licensed premises for each 248 persons in the borough. Publicans` licences totalled 86. Police made 394 visits to licensed premises during 1963, in addition to visits of inspection of premises holding music and dancing licences. “It was found that they were generally well-conducted”, the Superintendent said. Beer “off” licences, exclusively for beer, wines and spirits number 16, and for shops where other goods were sold the number was also 16. There was one “off” licence for cider. Residential licences number 13, and there were 11 restaurant licences in the borough. Combined residential-restaurant licences totalled nine. There was one provisional licence on issue, and there were three licensed clubs.

Transfer of licences were granted for the following applications: Central Hotel, from Mr. C.T. Chapman to Mr. Chapman and Mr. Ian Allen Lindsay: Foresters Arms, from Mr. W.E. Creasey to Mr. Alfred W. Hammond (Note: This does not appear in More Bastions): Castle Inn, from Mrs. Alice V.V. Surtees to Mr. Frederick A. Nicholson.

A licence was granted to Messrs. John Alfred Strath and Dudley Charles Grey-Wilson in respect of the East Kent Arms. Approval of plans to alter the interior of the tavern was also granted.  The premises were formerly operated under a protection order granted to Mrs. I. Moore on the decease of her husband.

Total number of clubs in the borough was now 32, the report stated. During the last year 20 occasional licences were issued, and 1,121 extensions of hours were granted. This was a drop of 15 occasional licences over 1962, and an increase of 242 extensions of hours.

Folkestone Herald 13-2-1965

Annual Licensing Sessions

The number of people charged with being in control of cars whilst under the influence of drink dropped from seven in 1962 to three last year, Superintendent Frederick Coatsworth stated at the annual licensing sessions at Folkestone on Wednesday. Twenty persons were charged with drunkenness, a decrease of two on the 1963 figures. The 408 visits by the police to licensed premises in the area showed that the licensing rules were being strictly ob­served.

All the licences were re­newed.

Folkestone Gazette 30-12-1965

Local News

The New Year will be seen in at dozens of public houses and hotels in the Folkestone area tomorrow night. Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Association have been granted licence extensions until 12.15 a.m.

Folkestone Herald 12-2-1966

Annual Licensing Sessions

The number of cases of drivers unfit to drive through drink trebled last year, it was re­ported at the annual licensing meeting at Folkestone on Wednesday.

In his annual report Chief Superintendent W. Pearce said “This is a position which can­not be accepted with complacency, and the co­operation of everyone, including licensees, is necessary to bring about an improvement”. The number of cases rose from three in 1964 to nine last year.

The number of full licences in the district increased by three to 133. One more club had been registered, bringing the num­ber to 33. The number of drunks prosecuted was 24, the highest since 1961. Of these two were females. Half the total was local residents.

The Chief Superintendent said that licensed premises in the borough had been generally well conducted dur­ing the year, but the num­ber of convictions for drunkenness had remained comparatively high. “Four young persons were prosecuted in respect of the consumption and supply of intoxicating liquor to persons under 18”, he said. He added that licensees must be on guard to prevent this type of offence. Two licensees had been warned by the police for minor breaches of the licen­sing laws.

At the meeting the following licence was transferred: The Black Bull Hotel, Canterbury Road, from Mr. E.E.G. Mansell to Mr. W. R. Scarbrow.

Folkestone Herald 11-2-1967

Annual Licensing Sessions

The incidence of drunkenness in Folkestone last year was the highest for six years. It reflected shame on the good name of the town, the chairman, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, said at the annual licensing sessions held at Folke­stone Town Hall on Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent L. F. Pearce reported that in 1966 there were 41 cases of drunken­ness, compared with 24 in 1965, 20 in 1964 and 22 in 1963. There were also 10 cases of motorists who were unfit to drive through drink last year, compared with nine the previous year and only three in 1964.

Mr. Baden Fuller said the position could not be regarded with complacency. And he added “The task of the licensee is a difficult one and we appreciate that it is almost impossible for him to vet every person to whom he sells a drink. Nevertheless, many of the persons charged with drunkenness have been found by the police in such a condition that it must have been apparent to the most casual observer that they were drunk. In this type of case we expect the licensee to play his part in trying to prevent drunkenness. Drunkenness of the sort that leads to prosecution is offensive to right-minded people and the figures which we have heard this morning reflect shame on the good name of Folkestone. Worse than that perhaps is the crime to which drunk­enness can and by all reports frequently does lead. Any person who drives a car in this condition is a potential killer. Over-indulgence in alcohol weakens the sense of responsibility and leads to many offences of dishonesty and wilful damage. This is a menace to us all”. Licensees, Mr. Baden Fuller added, were expected to do their utmost to help. And he warned that if it came to the Justices` notice that persistent drunkenness was tolerated in any particular premises they would take a very serious view of it. He went on to congratulate the “vast majority of publi­cans who conduct their premises well”.

Superintendent Pearce, in his report, said there were 133 fully licensed premises in the town, 26 off-licences and other premises, the same numbers as in 1965. There were 32 registered clubs in Folkestone, three being newly registered during the year. After giving the number of cases of drunkenness the Superintendent added “The figures give all those connected with the enforce­ment of the liquor licensing law in the borough cause for concern”. The increase of 17 in the case of drunkenness was a situation about which no one could be complacent.

He went on “The presence of large numbers of holiday­makers in the town during the summer months cannot be advanced as a reason for this since the number of non-residents dealt with shown no increase. In this respect I would urge all licence holders to remember their special responsibilities under the liquor licensing laws, paying particular attention to drinking by those under 18, having regard to the fact that three of the drunkenness offences were committed by boys of 16”. The police, he said, sought the co-operation of all licence holders in trying to reduce the number of cases of unfitness to drive through drink. He went on “With one or two exceptions the conduct of licensed premises has been good”.

Folkestone Herald 22-12-1967

Local News

Drinking extensions in Folkestone, Hythe and district over the Christmas holidays are as follows: Saturday: 11 p.m. to 11.30; Sunday: 10.30-11; Tuesday 10.30-11. Licensing hours on Christmas Day are normal Sunday times, 12 to 2 and 7 to 10.30. Lunch-time hours remain the same.

Folkestone Herald 17-2-1968

Annual Licensing Sessions

Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers Association is to hold a special meeting to discuss a report which this week disclosed that convictions both for drunkenness and for driving while unfit through drink increased in the town last year. The drinks offences figures were given in a police report at the annual Folkestone licensing sessions on Wednesday. And afterwards the chairman, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, warned that the magistrates were not a “rubber stamp”: Irresponsible publicans could be in danger of losing their licences.

The L.V.A. decided not to comment on the report until after it has held the special meeting. But on Thursday Mr. John Buckle, chairman of the L.V.A., said “This is an adverse report. We are rather disgusted about it”. Mr. Buckle, licensee of the Swan at Hythe, said the association was to have talks that day with the Kent Fed­eration of Licensed Victual­lers about the report.

In court, Chief Superinten­dent Ronald Mills said that the figures should be viewed with great concern. Referring to cases of drunkenness, he said “The current situation is perhaps seen in its true per­spective when it is realised that in just two years, the offences have more than doubled - from 24 convictions in 1965 to 53 in 1967”. There was an increase of 12 over the 1966 figure of 41. Of the 53 people convicted, 47 were men and six were women. But in the previous year only one woman was con­victed. The Chief Superintendent told of a case of a 29-year-old woman who died in Novem­ber. At the inquest it was made clear that excessive alcohol was in part the cause of death. “She had taken all her drink in licensed premises within the borough”, he added. He went on: “I would urge all licensees in the borough to recognise their responsibili­ties in this matter, and would remind them that they commit offences it they permit drunkenness upon their premises or serve intoxicants to a drunken person”. During the year police were called to disturbances in licensed premises no fewer than 56 times – more than once a week. Young people were being attracted to licensed premises in increasing numbers, he said, and licensees should refuse to serve them drinks if they were in any doubt about their age. Offences of unfitness to drive through drinks rose from 10 to 12 - the highest figure for six years. At the end of his report the Chief Superintendent said that, with two or three excep­tions, the general conduct of licensed premises had been good. He had no objection to the renewal of all the licences. There are 165 licensed premises in the town.

The Chairman described the report as disappointing. Although the majority of licensees were conducting their business in a responsible way, it was clear that a few were allowing their premises to become disorderly and were serving liquor to anyone who demanded it – irrespective of age or fitness to drink. He warned the “handful of irresponsibles” that they could lose their licences if they were convicted of an offence. Mr. Baden Fuller also said that the public houses to which the police were called to settle disturbances would be closely watched in the coming year. “If no better report is available next year we may well have to consider refusing renewal until a more satis­factory licensee can be found”, he stressed. “It must not be thought that, because for many years at this meeting we have renewed licences without comment, this court is simply a rubber stamp. It is not. It is responsible for the good administration of the licensing laws and its powers are considerable”. Mr. Baden Fuller said that although he had used stern words it did not detract from the fact that, generally speak­ing, the standard of licensed premises in the borough was very high. He hoped that during the coming year licensees would do all they could to make impossible a state of affairs that had to be commented on so unfavourably this year.

Folkestone Herald 24-2-1968

Local News

Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Association is seeking a meeting with a Kent police chief to discuss a police report which last week revealed a shock increase in drinks offences in the town.

The report, presented by Chief Superintendent Ronald Mills at the annual Folkestone Licensing Sessions, indicated that cases of drunkenness and of driving while unfit through drink rose last year.

The Chairman, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, warned that irresponsible licensees could be in danger of losing their licences. He said that although most licensees conducted their businesses in a responsible way, it was clear that a few were allowing their premises to become disorderly and were serving liquor to anyone who demanded it – irrespective of age of fitness to drink.

The L.V.A. reacted quickly to what it termed “an adverse report”. The next day the matter was brought to the attention of the Kent Federation of Licensed Victuallers, who referred it back to the local branch. At a special meeting on Monday the L.V.A. decided to ask Chief Superintendent Mills if he would receive a deputation from the Association to discuss the report.

Said Mr. John Buckle, the Association Chairman “We want to clarify some points on our behalf and establish some liaison between the Association and the police to assist them in the future. We would also like to be given a copy of the report a few days before the Sessions in future so that should it be adverse we could arrange to be legally represented. We were Guilty before we went to Court this year. One thing we are angry about is that everybody thinks publicans alone are to blame. They do not think about the off-licences, restaurants and clubs. A man could easily buy drink from an off-licence and take it somewhere and get drunk. We think that different figures should be drawn up for each category”.

Folkestone Gazette 24-12-1968

Local News

Public houses in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh will open at 11 o’clock in Wednesday morning, in­stead of the usual Christmas Day time of 12 noon.

Mr. C.J. Buckle, chairman of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers’ Associa­tion, said “We successfully applied for this extension so that people can have a drink on Christmas Day and still have plenty of time to get home for lunch. A lot of landlords may decide to shut at 1 p.m. in­stead of 2 p.m. on Wednesday so they can get their lunch", he added.

On Wednesday evening those pubs which open will do so from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Drinking hours today and Boxing Day have been ex­tended by half-an-hour in the evenings, from 10.30 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Folkestone Herald 15-2-1969

Local News

Publicans were congratulated at Folke­stone’s annual licensing sessions on Wed­nesday for helping to keep down drunkeness in the town. Last year they were warned that if they acted irrespons­ibly they could be in danger of losing their licences.

Chairman of the Licensing Justices, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller said “I find it extremely pleasant, after last year, to come here this morning and congratulate you on a fine effort in 1968, and to wish you an equally successful 1969”.

In his report, Chief Superintendent Ronald Mills said only 27 offences of drunkenness were dealt with by police last year. There had been 53 in 1967. Chief Superintendent Mills said “After the disappointing report which I submitted last year it is indeed pleasing for me to be able to inform you that a more satisfactory situation is reflected in respect of the year under review”. However, his report showed that offences of being unfit to drive through drink had increased from 12 to 23. “It is reasonable to assume that the increase results from the new Alcotest procedure. But, of course, these figures can leave no room for complacency. The increased police supervision during the year has apparently been welcomed by licensees. With one or two exceptions the conduct of premises in the town has been good. During the year two persons under the age of 18 years were dealt with by the Magistrates` Court in respect of drunkenness. But the source of their supply is not known. Undoubtedly some underage drinking does take place in licensed premises, and we shall continue to pay attention to this matter during the coming year”.

Mr. Baden Fuller, who issued the warning to publicans last year, said  “I have always thought that all licensees conduct their businesses in a responsible manner. I also appreciate that if you have to deal with a large number of customers it can become difficult to give the supervision you would wish. You will note that offences of unfitness to drive through drink show an in­crease, but this often seems to result from celebration parties which are not neces­sarily held on licensed premises”.

Folkestone Herald 29-3-1969

Local News

More drinking time over Easter at public houses in Folkestone was granted by Folkestone Licensing Justices on Tuesday. The extensions are outside the normal drinking hours. They are from 11 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5; 11 a.m. to 12 noon on the Sunday and from 10.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Easter Monday.

Folkestone Gazette 21-5-1969

Local News

An application for extensions of drinking hours on all public holidays and other occasions for the rest of the year was turned down by Folkestone magistrates on Friday.

The application was made by Mr. Norman Franks on behalf of Folkestone Licensed Victuallers’ Association. He said it was becoming increasingly popular with other Courts in Kent to grant extensions for the year at one hearing. It saved time, correspond­ence and expense. Mr. Franks applied for ex­tensions at Whitsun, late summer bank holiday, Christ­mas and on Sunday mornings in July and August. He said that on the Sun­days coaches from London started to arrive in Folkestone from about 11 a.m. “Licensees feel it would be an added facility if bars in the town were open at this time", he said.

The chairman of the magistrates, Mr. F.J. Baden Fuller, would not allow the Sunday extensions because he felt that in law they would not be considered “special” occasions. He would not look beyond the Whitsun holiday because he felt that applications for extensions should be heard nearer the time.

And Magistrates Clerk, Mr. David Bushnell, pointed out “Once an application has been granted I know of no means whereby it can be withdrawn”.

Extensions agreed for the Whitsun holiday weekend are: Friday, 11 to 11.30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 to 11.45 p.m.; Sunday 11 to 12 noon; and Monday, 10.30 to 11 p.m.

Folkestone Herald 19-12-1969

Local News

Licensing hours have been extended for three days in Christmas week. On Christmas Eve public houses will be open for an extra hour and a quarter, until 11.45 p.m. The Christmas Day extension is at mid-day, when public houses will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And on Boxing Day drink­ing time will be extended by an hour until 11.30 p.m. On New Year’s Eve public houses will open at 6 p.m. and close at 12.15 a.m. - a two and a quarter hour extension.