Updates

12th July, 2014: Folkestone Express and Folkestone Herald Reports for 1934 Added.

General Licensing Notes 1930 - 1934

Folkestone Express 15-2-1930

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 12^th: Before Col. G.P. Owen, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mr. W. Griffin, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. R. Stokes, Mr. F. Seagar, and Eng. Rear-Admiral Stephens.

The Chief Constable presented his report as follows: I have the honour to present my seventh annual report relating to the administration of the Licensing Laws within the Borough for the year ending 31^st December, 1929.

Licensed Premises: There are in the Borough 114 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, the number being made up as follows: Full licences 69; beer on 7; beer off 11; beer and spirits dealers 9; grocers, etc., off 6; confectioners wine on 3; cider and sweets off 2; chemists wine off 7; total 114; 79 on and 35 off. No licensed premises were referred back on the ground of redundancy by the Annual Licensing Committee.

Alehouse Licences: Of the alehouse licences, one is a six day licence.

Licences transferred: The following licences were transferred during the year: Prince Albert, Imperial Hotel, Railway Bell, Foord Tavern, Bouverie Hotel, Castle Inn, Shakespeare Hotel, Gun Tavern, British Lion, Red Cow.

Alterations to Licensed Premises: Structural alterations have been sanctioned by the Bench during the year in connection with the Clarendon Hotel and the Princess Royal.

Occasional Licences: Forty one occasional licences were granted to licence holders to sell intoxicating liquor other than on their own licensed premises.

Extension of Licensing Hours: Three hundred and eighty eight extensions have been granted to licence holders when dinners, etc., were being held on their licensed premises, and in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded.

Proceedings Against Licence Holders: On the 13^th August last a licensee was proceeded against in the Borough Police Court for selling intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours; at 11.20 p.m. on the 3^rd August, 1929. For this offence he was convicted and fined the sum of £5 by the Justices. The person referred to does not now hold a licence in this Borough, the premises since having been transferred to another licensee.

Visits by Police to Licensed Premises: All licensed premises have been periodically visited at irregular intervals by my officers during the year, to see that they are being conducted in a satisfactory manner, and with the above exception no adverse reports have been submitted to me. The number of visits was 1,385.

Drunkenness: During the year 21 persons (17 males and 4 females) were proceeded against in the Borough Police Court for drunkenness. This is a decrease of 13 as compared with the preceding year. Of the 21 cases dealt with by the Court, 11 were residents of the Borough, 2 non-residents, 6 of no fixed abode, and 2 soldiers.

Comparative Return of Drunkenness: The following table shows a comparative return of drunkenness with towns similarly situated to Folkestone: Folkestone: Population 37,535; proceeded against 21; convicted 8; discharged 13; number proceeded against per 1,000 population .55; Margate 46,480, 33, 21, 12, and .71; Gravesend 31,171, 85, 79, 6, and 2.7; Chester 40,802, 63, 47, 16, and 1.54; Cambridge 59,264, 19, 15, 4, and .32; Canterbury 23,737, 23, 17, 6, and .96; Hastings 66,611, 47, 37, 10, and .7; Scarborough 46,179, 33, 24, 9, and .71; Hove 47,507, 14, 6, 8, and .294; Bedford 40,242, 47, 44, 3, and 1.16; Ramsgate 36,561, 23, 9, 14, and .62. It will be seen by the above table that Folkestone comes very high in sobriety amongst the towns mentioned.

Permitted Hours: The permitted hours as allowed by the Licensing Act of 1921 have been fixed by the Licensing Justices for this borough, as under: Weekdays – from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays – from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the months of June, July, August, and September, 1929, the extension of half an hour on weekdays from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. was again granted by the Bench, and I am pleased to say that no ill-effects have been observed.

Clubs: Nineteen clubs where intoxicating liquor is supplied are registered under the Act. This is an increase of two as compared with the preceding year, namely Mary`s Bridge Club, 106, Cheriton Road, which was registered on the 4<sup>th</sup> October, 1929, and the 234<sup>th</sup> Howitzer Battery R.A. (T) Recreation Club, Drill Halls, Shellons Street, registered on the 28<sup>th</sup> October, 1929. The Bath Bridge and Social Club, 12 and 14, Clifton Crescent, was registered on the 8<sup>th</sup> April, 1929. This ceased to be a club on the 5<sup>th</sup> December last, upon the premises changing hands. One club was entered under a Justices` warrant on the 18^th May, 1929, for suspected breaches of the Licensing Laws. Sufficient evidence, however, was not obtainable to proceed with for a breach of the Intoxicating Liquor Laws, but four gaming machines were found upon the premises, and evidence was secured of their continued use. Proceedings were therefore taken under the Gaming House Act, 1854, against the Secretary, who was eventually fined for this offence. In this connection, I would point out that the Secretary was especially warned on the 12^th March, 1927, that the use of these machines constituted unlawful gaming, and that unless they were removed from the Club premises proceedings would follow. He gave a specific undertaking that they would be removed forthwith, and relying upon this, and having no evidence to the contrary, no means under the existing laws of obtaining it, it was with considerable surprise we found the machines in use when the Club was entered under warrant as before mentioned. It should be noted that Police have no right of entering Club premises without a warrant, and a warrant cannot be obtained unless the police are able to show reasonable suspicion that the law is being broken.

Hotels: Six hotels and two restaurants have authority under Section III of the Licensing Act, 1921, to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour after 10 p.m. on weekdays, namely; Metropole Hotel, Grand Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Regina Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Royal Pavilion Hotel, Central Cafe and Savoy Cafe. This is an increase of one as compared with last year, the certificate under Section III of the Licensing Act being granted by the Justices in respect of the Savoy Cafe on the 6^th February, 1929.

Music and Dancing: Forty two licences for music and dancing have been granted or renewed under the provisions of Part IV of the Public Health (Amendment) Act, 1890. Of this number, nine are for the use of wireless sets for public entertainment in public premises.

Billiards Licences: There are two places licensed for billiards: the Queen`s Hall, Tontine Street, and 24, Rendezvous Street. Supervision of these premises has been kept, and no adverse reports have been received.

Conclusion: I should like to express my appreciation for the uniform kindness and fairness extended to me by the Bench during the past year, and for the valuable assistance and advice of your Clerk, Mr. John Andrew, which at all times is placed unreservedly at my service, and has been especially so during the year under review.

Col. Owen said he wished on behalf of the Bench that all licences were renewed. The Magistrates considered they had a remarkable record on the number of cases of drunkenness that had been before the Bench for disposal. The number of cases of drunkenness that had been before the Bench was, they thought, very remarkably small. It had been pointed out to them taking 25 years ago instead of 21 cases for drunkenness which had been brought before them, there were 171. He thought they might say in view of that that the town had progressed in sobriety enormously. They were all aware that the beer was far cheaper years ago.

The Clerk: And better.

The Adjourned Licensing Sessions were fixed for the 6^th March.

Occasional Licences

The Chairman said the Bench had had under consideration the question of the issue of licences on special occasions, and the view of the Bench was that on the granting of occasional licences that outsiders should be excluded from 10 p.m. and only those should be admitted who were bona fide attending the function for which the licence was granted. It was a matter of great importance.

Folkestone Herald 15-2-1930

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 12^th: Before Colonel G.P. Owen, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Mr. W. Griffin, Alderman T.S. Franks, Engineer Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, Mr. R.J. Stokes, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mrs. E. Gore and Mr. F. Seager.

A very satisfactory report was presented by the Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) to the Licensing Magistrates at the Annual Licensing Session for Folkestone, held at the Town Hall on Wednesday. During the year there had been very few cases of drunkenness and figures submitted showed that Folkestone had a fine record of sobriety.

All licences were renewed.

The Chief Constable presented his report (for details see Folkestone Express).

The Chairman, announcing that all the licences would be renewed, said he would like to refer to the town`s splendid record in regard to drunkenness. The number of cases during the year showed a remarkably small percentage. It had been pointed out to him that whereas there were only 21 cases of drunkenness last year the number of cases before the Court 25 years ago was 171. He thought they might say that the town had progressed in sobriety enormously. “We are all aware, too” added the Chairman “that in those days beer was far cheaper”.

The Clerk (Mr. J. Andrew): And better. (Laughter)

The Chairman said the town could be congratulated on its excellent record.

The Chairman said the Bench had had under consideration the question of the issue of licences for special occasions, and it was the view of the Bench that when occasional licences were granted outsiders should be excluded after 10 o`clock; only those attending in a bona fide capacity the function for which the licence was granted to be present. It was a matter of great importance.

The adjourned licensing sessions were fixed for March 12^th.

Folkestone Express 14-2-1931

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 11^th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, The Mayor, Colonel G.P. Owen, Alderman A.E. Pepper, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Miss Hunt, Mr. W. Griffin, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Alderman G. Spurgen, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr. F. Seager.

The Chief Constable presented his annual report as follows:- I have the honour to present my eighth annual report relating to the administration of the licensing laws within the Borough for the year ending 31^st December, 1930.

Licensed Premises: There are in the Borough 115 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, the number being made up as follows: Full licences 69; beer on 7; beer off 11; beer and spirit dealers 9; grocers, etc., off 6; confectioners wine off 4; cider and sweets off 2; chemists wine off 7; total 115; 80 on, 35 off. No licensed premises were referred back on the grounds of redundancy by the annual Licensing Committee.

Alehouse Licences: Of the alehouse licences one is a six days` licence.

 

Licences Transferred: The following licences were transferred during the year: Red Cow Inn, from Arthur M. McIlveen to Henry W. Cork; George III P.H., Henry William Cork, William H. Best; Lifeboat Inn, H. Rolfe, Percy Stringer; Chequers Inn, Walter Scrivens, Florence Kent; Chequers Inn, Florence Kent, R. Williams; Alexandra Tavern, John Marsh, Richard Marsh; Alexandra Hotel, John E. Fortune, Stanley Bishop; Imperial Hotel, Robert Puncheon, David C. Harlow; Royal George Hotel, George Dowson, William R. Oberman.

Alterations to Licensed Premises: Structural alterations have been sanctioned by the Bench during the year in connection with the Gun Tavern, the Bouverie Hotel, and the Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane.

Occasional Licences: Forty three occasional licences were granted to licence holders to sell intoxicating liquor other than on their own licensed premises.

Extension of Licensing Hours: Three hundred and fifty three extensions have been granted to licence holders when dinners, etc., were being held on their licensed premises, and in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded.

Proceedings against Licence Holders: During the year no licence holders have been proceeded against for committing a breach of the Intoxicating Liquor Laws.

Visits by Police to Licensed Premises: All licensed premises have been periodically visited at irregular intervals by my officers during the year to see that they are being conducted in a satisfactory manner, and no adverse reports have been submitted to me. The total number of visits was 2,218.

Drunkenness: During the year ended 31^st December, 1930, 26 persons (18 males and eight females) were proceeded against in the Borough Court for drunkenness. These were dealt with as follows: Six males and two females were convicted, and twelve males and six females were discharged after being cautioned by the Bench. Of those proceeded against, ten were residents of the Borough, ten non-residents, and six of no fixed abode. This number is an increase of five as compared with 1929, when eight were convicted and thirteen discharged.

Comparative Return of Drunkenness: The following table shows a comparative return for drunkenness with towns similarly situated to Folkestone. Folkestone, number proceeded against per 1,000 population, .69; Chester, 1.29; Margate, .84; Canterbury, .67; Scarborough, .36; Hastings, 1.08; Cambridge, .47; Gravesend, 3.4; Hove, .399, Ramsgate, .38.

Permitted Hours: The permitted hours as allowed by the Licensing Act of 1921, have been fixed by the Licensing Justices for this Borough as under: Weekdays, from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the months of June, July, August and September, 1930, the extension of half an hour on weekdays, from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., was again allowed by the Bench, and I am pleased to state that no ill-effects have been observed.

Clubs: Seventeen clubs where intoxicating liquor is supplied are registered under the Act. This is a decrease of two as compared with the preceding year. Mary`s Bridge and Social Club, Cheriton Road, ceased to function as a club on the 31<sup>st</sup> March, 1930, and the Folkestone Working Men`s Club and Institute, 49b, Tontine Street, went into liquidation and was closed on 28^th June, 1930. One club was entered under a Justices` warrant on the 6^th June, 1930, for suspected breaches of the licensing laws. This resulted in proceedings being taken against ten persons; three for supplying and seven for consuming intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours. Of this number, eight were convicted and two were dismissed by the justices. The Secretary of the club was also summoned to show cause why the club should not be struck off the register of clubs. The Justices placed the club on probation for a period of three months, the police to have right of entry at any time. Daily visits were made at irregular times, and the premises were found to be conducted in a satisfactory manner. The summons against the Secretary was therefore dismissed at the end of the probation period.

Hotels: Six hotels and two restaurants have authority under Section III of the Licensing Act, 1921, to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour after 10 p.m. on weekdays, namely: Metropole Hotel, Grand Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Regina Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Royal Pavilion Hotel, Central Cafe and Savoy Cafe.

Music and Dancing: Forty four licences for music and dancing have been granted or renewed under the provisions of Part IV of the Pblic Health (Amendment) Act, 1890. Of this number 13 are for the use of wireless for public entertainment in licensed premises.

Billiards Licences: There are two places licensed for billiards, namely, The Queen`s Hall, Tontine Street, and 24, Rendezvous Street. Supervision of these premises has been kept and no adverse reports have been received.

Conclusion: I should like to express my sincere appreciation for the uniform kindness and fairness extended to me by the Bench during the past year, and for the valuable assistance and advice of your Clerk, Mr. Charles Rootes, which have on all occasions been unreservedly placed at my service, since, and prior to taking uphis present appointment.

The Chairman said the Magistrates were obliged to the Chief Constable for that admirable report. The Magistrates had instructed him to say that the report was of a very satisfactory nature. They noted that the proceedings against persons for drunkenness were in excess of last year. They would have preferred that the number had been five less instead of five more. They realised that only ten residents had been proceeded against for drunkenness. That must be deemed to be satisfactory, particularly having regard to the fact that they were a pleasure resort, and they had a great many thousands of people there for a holiday. The wave of sobriety over Folkestone during that year, and for some years past, was not confined to that town, but to many places. Regarding the report in all its aspects it was the most satisfactory they had had for the following reasons:- in the first instance they knew that the Chief Constable and his officers had been functioning during the year and had been very careful that the licensing laws should be carried out. They considered that by the number of visits which had been made to licensed premises it was satisfactory that no proceedings had been taken against any licence holder, and that the extensions of licences which had been granted – some of them might say too frequently – had not been abused. Representations had been made to the Magistrates for some years for an extension of hours during the summer months and finally it was granted, therefore they were very pleased to know that no ill-effects had been observed according to the Chief Constable. The Magistrates had decided that they had no intention at present of referring any licence to the compensation authority, and all the licences would be renewed that day with the same hours and conditions as applied during the past year.

The Chairman announced that the Adjourned Licensing Sessions would be held on March 11^th.

Folkestone Herald 14-2-1931

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 11^th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, The Mayor, Colonel G.P. Owen, Alderman A.E. Pepper, Alderman G. Spurgen, Mr. W. Griffin, Dr. W.W. Nuttall,  Mr. J.H. Blamey, Miss A.M. Hunt, Alderman A. Castle, Mrs. E. Gore, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr. F. Seager.

The Chief Constable submitted his annual report (for details see Folkestone Express).

The Chairman said the Licensing Magistrates had had an opportunity of seeing the report and they had instructed him to say that they thought it was of a very satisfactory nature. They noted that proceedings against persons for drunkenness during the past year were five in excess of the previous year. They would rather it had been five less, but at the same time they realised that when only ten residents had been proceeded against the report must be regarded as very satisfactory for a town of close on 40,000 people. They also had to remember that they were a holiday resort and during the summer had thousands of visitors amongst them. The sobriety which had been enjoyed by Folkestone for some years now was not particular to their own town, for it was spreading throughout the country. Perhaps it was the most satisfactory they had ever had, because they knew that the Chief Constable and his officers during the past year had been very vigilant in seeing that the law was carried out. They were told that by the number of visits made. It was also very satisfactory to know that no proceedings had been taken against licence holders, and that the extension of the licensing hours on various occasions had not been abused. They regarded that as very satisfactory. The Magistrates had decided not to refer any licences back for extinction, and all the licences granted last year would be renewed on the same conditions as before.

When two applications were received for permission to give radio concerts in two public houses it was announced that at the adjourned sessions the Bench would favourably consider an extension of the existing hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Folkestone Express 26-3-1932

Local News

Yesterday (Thursday) the Folkestone Magistrates granted an application made on behalf of the members of the Licensed Victuallers` Association for an extension of one hour of their licences on Thursday, Saturday and Monday evenings during the Easter holidays.

The Magistrates on the Bench were: The Mayor, Alderman R.G. Wood, Alderman A.E. Pepper, Col. G.P. Owen, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Mr. W. Griffin, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mr. W. Smith, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. S. Seager, and Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface, who made the application, said he appeared on behalf of 59 licensees in the town, some of whom were members of the Licensed Victuallers` Association. Every one of those licensees asked the Magistrates to grant similar facilities which had been granted for the Easter holiday in other towns, namely an additional hour until eleven o`clock on Thursday, Saturday and Monday evenings. The application was made under Section 57 of the Licensing Consolidation Act, and it had been held that Christmas time and holiday times were special occasions under the Act. A number of Benches had now considered such facilities should be granted especially in those times when they had been urged to spend their holidays at home. Such Benches as Eastbourne, who did not grant the extra half hour in the summer months, had granted that extension on those particular three days. The application had come very late in the day for Folkestone to be advertised as one of the towns granting the concession but they had a visit of a big delegation of teachers staying there during the holidays. He was not suggesting that teachers were abnormal people, but they would be about their duties and visiting places of entertainment, and he asked the Magistrates to say it was a perfectly reasonable thing that after visiting cinemas and other places of entertainments which closed at half past ten, it was a perfectly reasonable thing before proceeding to their homes they should be able to have refreshments if they cared to do so. It was not merely for private gain that that application was made, but it was made in the sincere belief that it was in the interests of Folkestone, and that it was in the interests of the country in order to induce people to spend their holidays at home that such reasonable facilities should be granted. His application was merely to extend the hour of closing from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the three days he had mentioned.

The Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes): What about the clubs?

Mr. Bonniface: There are no clubs concerned in the application.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said eleven licensees were not making the application that morning.

Mr. Bonniface: Some of those are large hotels and they have already been granted facilities.

The Magistrates` Clerk to the Chief Constable: What do you say about the application?

The Chief Constable said it was a concession for which application had never been made previously. It was difficult to say in which direction it would work. One could not say if such a concession would be to the ultimate good of Folkestone and the visitors as a whole. There would be a certain amount of work placed on the Police if the application was granted. If the concession was abused in any way he would have something to say in the future. At the moment he had no objection to it at all.

The Mayor said the Bench granted the application.

Folkestone Express 17-12-1932

Local News

On Monday at the Folkestone Police Court the Magistrates heard applications for extensions of licences at the hotels and Corporation places of entertainment, and they granted the requests so far as licences to sell intoxicating drink was concerned. There will be one hour`s extension on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Years`s Eve at practically all the licensed houses.

The Magistrates on the Bench were Alderman R.G. Wood, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W. Smith, Mr. J.H. Blamey and Mr. F. Seager.

The Magistrates` Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) said the Magistrates had a list of the applications so far as he knew them before them.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface, who appeared on behalf of the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers` Association, said the authorities had been notified of numerous applications.

Mr. Bonniface then applied on behalf of practically all the members of the Folkestone Licensed victuallers` Association for extensions on three nights during the holiday season. He said he was representing the whole of the licensed victuallers with the exception of six licensees, who would possibly make an application to the Magistrates later. He asked that they should be granted extensions of one hour from 10 to 11 p.m. on December 24<sup>th</sup>, 26<sup>th</sup> and 31<sup>st</sup>. It would be useless for him to point out to the Magistrates what other seaside resorts had done as the decisions there had appeared in the press. It really did not want any words of his to put forward the application. In Windsor they had granted a full day`s licence from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., but the licensees were not asking them for such a concession. The Magistrates had granted similar applications at Easter and Whitsuntide, and he thought he was quite correct when he said there was not a single case of drunkenness brought before the Bench at that time.

The Chairman asked if Chief Inspector Pittock had anything to say as to whether there was anything amiss at Easter and Whitsun in consequence of the extension of the licences.

Chief Inspector Pittock: Nothing at all. There is no objection to the application being granted.

The Magistrates` Clerk: The Chief Constable, before he left the Court, intimated to me that he had no objection to the extensions.

The Chairman said the Magistrates granted the application in respect of the three nights mentioned for an extension of hours to 11 p.m. That applied, however, to those names mentioned on the list. Unless the others applied they would not have the extension.

Folkestone Herald 17-12-1932

Local News

The Folkestone Magistrates on Monday, at a special sitting, extended the licensing hours of a number of local hotels to 1 a.m. in connection with the New Year`s Eve celebrations.

The licences of Folkestone public houses, with the exception of six, were also extended on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year`s Eve from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Magistrates were: Alderman R.G. Wood, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. F. Seager, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Mr. W. Smith.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface, on behalf of all the local Licensed Victuallers except six, applied for the extension of the licences of public houses and certain hotels with separate bars on Christmas Eve from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., and similar extensions for Boxing Day and New Year`s Eve. Mr. Bonniface said it would be useless to point out what so many seaside places had done because the Magistrates read their newspapers, and therefore it did not need many words from him to ask the Magistrates to grant the applications. They would have noticed that at Windsor the facilities had been extended so that on two days the licensed houses were open all day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. He was not asking for that. All he asked for was an extension of one hour on these three days. The licensees assured him that when similar applications had been granted at Easter and Whitsun there had not been a single case of drunkenness.

In reply to the Bench, Chief Inspector H.G. Pittock said there had been nothing amiss when the hours had been lengthened before, and the police had no objection.

The Chairman said the application would be granted, but the six licensees who were not represented must understand that they could not open unless they made an application. They must not think that the extension applied to them.

Folkestone Express 11-2-1933

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 8^th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, The Mayor, Alderman A.E. Pepper, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Miss A.M. Hunt, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mr. W. Smith, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, Mr. W. Hollands, and Mr. S.B. Corser.

The Chief Constable presented his report as follows:- I have the honour to present my tenth annual report relating to the administration of the licensing laws within the borough for the year ending 31^st December, 1932.

Licensed Premises: There are in the borough 114 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, the number being made up as follows: Full licences, 68; beer on, 7; beer off, 10; beer and spirit dealers, 9; grocers, etc., off, 6; confectioners wine on, 5; cider and sweets, off, 2; chemists wine off, 7; Total 114. (80 on and 34 off). This shows a reduction of one full licence as compared with the preceding year, being brought about by the closing of the Granville, Dover Street, on the 31^st December, 1932, on the grounds of redundancy. In addition to the above, the Oddfellows was considered by the Licensing Justices at the general annual licensing meeting, but the licence of this house was renewed at the adjourned annual licensing meeting on the 9^th March, 1932.

Alehouse Licences: Of the alehouse licences, one is a six days` licence.

Occasional Licences: Forty two occasional licences were granted to licence holders to sell intoxicating liquor other than on their own licensed premises.

Extension of Licensing Hours: Five hundred and four extensions have been granted to licence holders when dinners, etc., were being held on their licensed premises, and in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded.

Alterations to Licensed Premises: Structural alterations were sanctioned by the Bench on the 13^th April, 1932, in respect of the Royal George Hotel, Beach Street.

Licences Transferred: The following licences were transferred during the year: Honest Lawyer, Charlotte Hubbard to Ernest A. Baker (sic); Bradstone Tavern, Harry Obed Older to Harry J. Rhodes; George III, William H.A. Best to George C. Prior; Lifeboat Inn, Percival L. Stringer to Harry S. Jordan; Harvey Inn, Harold J. Sherrin to Frederick J. Grew; Honest Lawyer, Charlotte Hubbard to Ernest E. Jeffrey.

Proceedings Against licence Holders: During the year no licence holders have been proceeded against for any breach of the Intoxicating Liquor Laws, but two were cautioned by me; one for not entering in a day book the delivery of six bottles of ale, also not entering the same in the delivery book; and the other licensee for selling intoxicating liquor at 10.56 p.m., the explanation in this case being that the licensee was under the impression that an extension had been granted in respect of the premises.

Visits by Police to Licensed Premises: All licensed premises have been periodically visited at irregular intervals by my officers to see that they are being conducted in a satisfactory manner, and no adverse reports have been submitted to me. The total number of visits was 1,910.

Drunkenness: During the year 15 persons (13 males and two females) were proceeded against in the Borough Court for drunkenness. These were dealt with as follows: Convicted, ten males and one female. Discharged, three males and one female. The persons proceeded against were: Residents of Folkestone, three males and one female; Non-residents, four males and one female; No fixed abode, five males; Soldiers, one. The total proceedings for drunkenness shows a decrease of eleven as compared with the preceding year, when 16 persons were convicted and ten discharged.

Comparative Return of Drunkenness: The following table shows a comparative return for drunkenness with towns similarly situated to Folkestone: Folkestone, 35,890 population and .417 percent proceeded against per 1,000 population; Canterbury, 24,450 and .65 percent; Hastings, 65,199 and 1.01 percent; Gravesend, 35,490 and .8 percent; Chester, 41,438 and .748 percent; Newcastle under Lyme, 54,699 and .42 percent; Margate, 31,312 and .7 percent; Scarborough, 41,791 and .24 percent; Hove, 54,994 and .509 percent. It will be seen that Folkestone`s record for sobriety stands higher than ever.

Permitted Hours: The permitted hours as allowed by the Licensing Act of 1921 have been fixed by the Licensing Justices for this Borough as under: Weekdays from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the months of June, July, August and September, 1932, an extension of half an hour on weekdays, from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. was again allowed by the Bench, and I am pleased to state that no ill-effects have been observed.

Clubs: Nineteen clubs where intoxicating liquor is supplied are registered under the Act, this being an increase of two as compared with the preceding year. The new clubs are: The Associated Motor Owners` Society Club, 10, Cheriton Gardens, which was registered as a club on the 27^th June, 1932, and the Folkestone Pool and Tote Club, Ltd., 57 – 59, Sandgate Road, which was registered on the 13^th December, 1932. This has now changed its name to the Folkestone Sporting Club.

Hotels: six hotels and two restaurants have authority under Section III of the Licensing Act, 1921, to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour after 10 p.m. an weekdays, namely: Metropole Hotel, Grand Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Regina Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Royal Pavilion Hotel, Central Cafe and Savoy Cafe.

Music and Dancing: Forty seven licences for music and dancing have been granted or renewed under the provisions of Part IV of the Public Health (Amendment) Act, 1890. This is a decrease of one as compared with the preceding year. Of this number, 13 are for the use of wireless for public entertainment in licensed premises.

Billiards Licences: There are three premises licensed for billiards in the borough, namely: The Queen`s Hall, Tontine Street, 24, Rendezvous Street, and the Fishermen`s Institute, The Stade. Supervision of these premises has been kept, and no adverse reports have been received.

Conclusion: In conclusion I should like to express my appreciation of the happy relations existing between the Police and the Bench during the past year, and for the valuable assistance and advice of your Clerk, Mr. Charles Rootes, which is always unreservedly placed at my services.

The Chairman said on behalf of the Licensing Justices he thanked the Chief Constable for his very clear report. They had had a chance of reading it through and he was instructed to say the Justices considered it exceedingly good and very satisfactory. There was no doubt there were many contributory factors which he was not going to touch upon at that point, with the exception of one, and that was the fact that no proceedings had been taken against any licence holder. They had cause to think that the licence holders were one of the contributing factors by the way they conducted their houses. In the happy state of things that they found in that report there were many points that it was not necessary for him to deal with. The extension of licensed hours did not apply to all licence holders but only to a few in comparison. Those licence holders would know that the Folkestone Bench was rather liberal in granting extensions when they were applied for. They had a reason for that, but it was principally because it was a seaside place. They had many visitors and it would be rather hard lines if visitors who came down for the weekend or for a holiday were not allowed some extension. What gratified them was that in no case had an abuse of the privilege been recorded. So long as that happy state of things existed he did not think they need fear any different treatment from the Licensing Justices. The next point was the very happy decrease in the number of cases of drunkenness, eleven cases less than in the preceding year. They had a population of 35,000, and that was increased during holiday times very largely. He thought some of the credit was due to the holidaymakers. He supposed, after all, they came down for a good time, and he hoped they got it. However, only three of those 15 cases were residents of the borough. That was wholly satisfactory, and he thought it was a record.

The Chief Constable: I think it is really.

The Chairman said so far as his memory went it was a record. In the eleven towns mentioned in the report and which were about the same size as Folkestone, they came second. That was exceedingly good. The extension for the half hour during the summer months for which the licence holders asked and which they eventually granted had been satisfactory and helpful to the licence holders and it had been appreciated by their visitors who flocked there in the summer. The Chief Constable stated he was pleased to say no ill-effects had been observed. He did not think there was any need to comment further on the matter, with the exception of the concluding paragraph, in which the Chief Constable referred to the happy relationship between the Bench and Police. He could endorse that and he thought those happy relationships were very desirable for the Police and for the Bench to work together with the assistance of their worthy Clerk, and that co-operation no doubt made a big contribution towards the good government of the borough. He congratulated the Chief Constable on that excellent report.

The Chairman announced that the whole of the on and off licences were renewed. The music and dancing licences and the billiard licences were also again granted.

The adjourned sessions were fixed for Wednesday, March 8^th.

Folkestone Herald 11-2-1933

Annual Licensing Sessions

“The Folkestone Bench is rather liberal in granting extensions when they are applied for. We have a reason for that, but what gratifies us is that in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded. So long as that happy state of things exists, I do not think you have any fear of different treatment from the Licensing Justices”.

Alderman R.G. Wood, Chairman of the Folkestone Licensing Magistrates, made this observation when commenting upon Folkestone`s good record for sobriety during the past year, at the annual Licensing Sessions, which were held at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

The report submitted by the Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) showed that during the past year only three residents had been charged with drunkenness, as compared with six during the previous year, whilst no proceedings had been taken against any licensee.

The Magistrates were: Alderman R.G. Wood, The Mayor, Alderman T.S. Franks, Alderman A.E. Pepper, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mr. W. Smith, Councillor W. Hollands, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Engineer Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Mr. S.B. Corser.

The Chief Constable submitted his report (for details see Folkestone Express).

Alderman Wood, on behalf of the Magistrates, thanked the Chief Constable for his very clear report. He said that the Magistrates had had a chance of reading it through and he was instructed to say the Licensing Magistrates considered that report exceedingly good and very satisfactory. “There was no doubt that there are many contributing factors which I am not going to touch upon, with the exception of one: That is the fact that no proceedings had been taken against licence holders”, continued Alderman Wood. “We think that goes to prove the licence holders are one of the contributing factors, by the way they conducted their houses, to this very happy state of things which we find in this report of the Chief Constable”. Proceeding, Alderman Wood said there were several points in the report upon which he would like to comment. One was with regard to the extension of licensing hours. This did not apply to all licence holders, but only to a few in comparison. “Those licence holders well know that the Folkestone Bench is rather liberal in granting extensions when they are applied for”, said Alderman Wood. “We have a reason for that, perhaps, because we have many visitors here, and the hotels and pavilions run dances, and so on. It would be rather hard lines if visitors coming down for weekends or holidays were not given some extension during that period. But what gratifies us is that in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded. So long as that happy state of things exists, I do not think you have any fear of different treatment from the Licensing Justices. The next point is the happy decrease in drunkenness. There had been 11 cases fewer than in the preceding year – 15 cases during the 12 months. We have a population of 35,000, and that population is increased in the holiday times and during the season very largely, therefore I think some of this credit is due to the holidaymakers who come down. Now I have one for the residents. Only three of those 15 are residents of the borough. That is exceedingly satisfactory. I do not know whether it is a record or not, Chief?”

The Chief Constable: I think it is really.

Alderman Wood: It is a record as far as I can remember. There are 11 towns down here, about the same size as Folkestone, and we came second. Continuing, Alderman Wood said the extensions of half an hour during the summer months, which they had asked for and which the Magistrates eventually granted, had been appreciated. They were appreciated by licence holders, he knew, and they had been appreciated by the visitors who flocked into the town, and he was pleased that the Chief Constable had said that no ill-effects had been observed. Referring to the concluding paragraph of the Chief Constable`s report, Alderman Wood endorsed the remarks about the happy relations existing between the Bench and the police. It was desirable for the Police and for the Bench to work together with the assistance of their worthy Clerk. That co-operation no doubt made a big contribution towards the good government of the borough.

He then announced that the whole of the licences would be renewed for the ensuing year.

Folkestone Herald 18-2-1933

Editorial

The Folkestone Licensing Magistrates, sitting at the annual Brewster Sessions last week, congratulated the licensees of the area upon the highly satisfactory report of the sobriety of the Borough which the Chief Constable had placed before them. The decreased drunkenness – 15 persons as against 26 in the preceding year – coupled with the complete absence of any proceedings against licence holders during the year, reflects indeed great credit upon those who are responsible for the conduct of licensed premises in Folkestone. The same happy condition obtains in Hythe, New Romney and Lydd, and it is obvious that the steady decrease in drunkenness, which has been such a marked feature of the figures placed before Licensing Magistrates since the War, cannot be brought to a much lower level. However excellent may be the social work, however difficult it may be to obtain intoxicating liquor, there will, unfortunately, always be amongst us those who, for one reason or another, drink to excess. Most of them, perhaps, are more medical than social problems. The licensee of today, however, is a valued citizen, in that he himself helps to preserve in the town that sobriety which is so eminently desirable. This may, perhaps, in some measure, be due to the great licensing reforms which have taken place during this century. The licence holder today finds himself not only hedged around by laws, regulations, and restrictions, but he has had during the past year to endure the effects of a very heavy tax upon his principal commodity – beer. The active vigilance of the police, the careful surveillance of the brewers, and the rigorous prosecution of offenders against the licensing laws, have made the licensee indeed a man of great caution. How cautious he has to be is seen by the fact that even a humble game of darts in a public house on a Sunday evening is not viewed with favour by the Magistrates of New Romney and Lydd. The beer tax, against which every Trade organisation has protested, is a very heavy burden upon a trade which already contributed an enormous sum of money annually to the National Exchequer by way of taxation. Whether the Chancellor, in his next Budget, will see his way clear to a lessening of the burden of the beer tax remains to be seen. If he is able to do so, he will earn the gratitude of a large section of the populace. Whether the high price of beer has anything to do with the decrease in convictions for drunkenness during the past year is a moot point, and does not, in our opinion, in any way decrease the credit which is due to the licensees for the manner in which they have conducted their houses. We trust that the Chief Constable will be able to present to the Licensing Magistrates next February as satisfactory a report as that which he was able to present last week.

Folkestone Express 15-7-1933

Tuesday, July 11^th: Before Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Alderman T.S. Franks, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W. Smith and Councillor Hollands.

Reference was made to an application for an application for an extension of hours in connection with certain licensed houses.

The Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) said the application was for an extension from 2.30 to five o`clock on Friday and Saturday. It was rather an unusual one, and there were altogether 22 licensees making the application.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface said he was appearing for the applicants. The application was for two days when there was a visit to the town of at least 1,200 French excursionists. Three boats were arriving on Friday, and one party was staying two days. Certain licensees in the district in which they would probably be had been requested to apply.

The Chairman: Does that mean there will be no closing in the afternoon at all on that day?

Mr. Bonniface: Only from five to six.

The Chairman said the question would be considered the next day at the full licensing meeting.

Wednesday, July 12^th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Miss A.M. Hunt, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W. Smith, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Councillor W. Hollands.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface said he appeared on behalf of 24 licensees in the town to ask the Magistrates that on Friday and Saturday they would grant them what was commonly known as an extension, but which was really a special order of exemption from closing from the hour of 2.30 until 5 in the afternoon. The Magistrates were authorised to do that under Section 57 of the Licensing Consolidation Acts, under which they could treat that as a special occasion. They therefore would not be bound by the recent appeal, as it was really such an occasion On Friday there would arrive at the Harbour at least four special passenger boats. There might be more, but there would be four definitely. The first of those boats arrived at an early hour, and there would be at least one thousand passengers, who would be drawn from six of the large towns in the north of France. With that party they were not concerned. They would arrive at the Harbour, but they would be conveyed to London, where they would stay for the day and return in the evening going straight on the boat. That would be followed by another boat with about 1,200 passengers, all of whom would remain the whole of the day in Folkestone. They would arrive fairly early in the morning and would not be leaving until the evening. Another boat would arrive from Dunquerke, and that would bring about 600 passengers, who would arrive at 12.30 midday and would leave again at six o`clock. So the Magistrates would see they would merely be there for the afternoon. For the fourth boat there were definitely over a thousand bookings, and those people were two-day tourists. They would go direct to London for the first day, but would return to Folkestone on Saturday morning and remain in the town for the whole day, returning to France in the evening. Under those circumstances he asked the Magistrates to grant the application, bearing in mind there were different habits on the Continent to what there were in England, and also that the French people, when at home and on holiday, adopted their usual practice to have a drink with their lunch and to stay on during the afternoon. That was the time the French people devoted to their conversation and drinks. The organisers had in view the idea of keeping those people in Folkestone, and were in fact making arrangements for them in the evening to visit the local cinemas. They were making arrangements so that at least 1,200 French people would be in Folkestone all day on Friday, and anything up to a thousand all day on Saturday. The licensees in the past when those French trips had visited Folkestone had experienced considerable difficulty in explaining to their visitors that the country`s licensing laws did not permit them to serve anyone with drink during the afternoon. The French people could not understand why they could not enjoy the facilities they had on the other side. Folkestone, by reason of those trips, was very considerably advertised on the Continent. On previous occasions, what the organisers had had to do in the afternoon was to take those visitors of theirs out of the town on a trip to Canterbury, in order to keep them occupied in some way during the afternoon. Naturally the licensed victuallers, and all of them, were anxious that when those visitors were in the town, what money they had to spend should be spent in the town. He was asking the Bench to say that on these two occasions when those visitors were with them, they would treat that as a special occasion and grant them the facilities which it was in their power to do. He thought he was right in saying that during any previous trips over there during the licensing hours there had never been any complaint of the conduct of those visitors, and he suggested to the Bench that they could not and would not anticipate anything but orderly behaviour. The organisers themselves sent with each party four gendarmes, who were responsible if anything occurred, for seeing that the people were put back on the boats. Fortunately, they had never had anything of that kind on any of those trips. On the list of licences they would see that that was not a general application by the licensees of the borough. That was an application by the licensees who would be affected. They would find amongst them hotels where visitors would, in a number of cases, be lunching. They would find, perhaps, one which needed a little explanation, because it was rather off the main route, which was the Harbour, High Street, and Sandgate Road. The Black Bull had, as he was instructed, definitely booked forty of these people for lunch on Friday.

The Chairman said he did not agree that a Frenchman was going to sit in a public house or hotel during the afternoon. It was the only afternoon he was going to have, and he was going to make the most of his time out of doors.

Mr. Bonniface said he did not suggest that a Frenchman would sit there all the afternoon, but he suggested that his habit was such that if he drank at all, he drank in the afternoon, and when he was going round he wanted to know why he could not drink as he usually did in the afternoon.

The Chairman: You are aware that a battleship is in at the same time, and we shall be full of visitors on Saturday afternoon, and what you are asking for the French excursionists will be at the option of other visitors too.

Mr. Bonniface said he thought they would agree that when they had had a battleship in they had never had a complaint.

The Chairman: But you have not had them open all the afternoon.

Mr. Bonniface: I do not think you will suggest that it makes any difference.

Chief Inspector Pittock, in reply to the Bench, said he had not got anything to say, except that on Saturday they had a large number of charabanc trippers from London, and it was quite a common thing to see that they had had sufficient to drink in the ordinary way. If they were able to get in the public houses to get more, he did not think what the position would be quite. It was only fair to point that out.

The Magistrates retired to consider the application.

The Chairman, when they returned, said the Bench had fully considered the application which had been made on behalf of twenty four licensees in the borough. As they knew, when a licensee made an application for an occasional licence, he usually got it. Full consideration had been given on the point Mr. Bonniface emphasised on the French visitors. They, like the other people of Folkestone, were always prepared to welcome French visitors, and they did not like to do anything to discourage them in any way, but they could not consider that and that alone. Everything else verging on those two days had to have full consideration, and taking it on a broad basis like that, they felt they could not grant the application.

Folkestone Express 9-12-1933

Local News

Applications for the extension of hours for the sale of intoxicating liquor during the Christmas holidays and for New Year`s Eve were dealt with by the Folkestone Magistrates on Friday, when the members of the Bench present included Alderman R.G. Wood, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Alderman T.S. Franks, Mrs. E. Gore, Mr. W. Smith, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Alderman J.W. Stainer.

The first application was made by 59 licensees in the borough, who asked for one hour`s extension from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 23^rd, Boxing Day (26^th December), and Saturday, 30^th December.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface, on behalf of the applicants, said that the 23^rd December was practically taking the place of Christmas Eve, as Christmas Eve fell on Sunday that year. He would point out to the Bench that that was the day when the visitors would be coming, when relatives would be coming home, and when their own people would be shopping up to quite a late hour on that particular day, as they would not be able to shop on the following day. He would also suggest that in asking for that one hour he was not asking for anything exceptional, because he observed from the morning paper that in the Royal Borough of Windsor on that day there was opening all day, and also on the 26^th, so that he thought the application by the Folkestone licensees was a reasonable one. He suggested that they, in that town, were, within reasonable limits, prepared to make their town as bright as possible for their visitors. With regard to the 30^th, that, of course, was New Year`s Eve in effect, and he suggested that the same remarks applied to that.

The Chairman: I can follow you about the 23^rd and the 26^th all right, but is there any real occasion for the 30^th? The Christmas visitors are gone, most of them.

Mr. Bonniface said that might be so, but they had to consider the town itself, and the fact that it was New year`s Eve.

The Chairman: It is an innovation.

Mr. Bonniface: We have never asked for it before, sir, but it is not an unusual thing for me to ask, because other licensees have asked for it of other Benches.

The Chairman, referring to the remaining six licences mentioned, said that, of course, any extension would not apply to them unless they applied to the Bench.

Mr. Bonniface said he understood one of them was making an application.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said he heartily endorsed all that Mr. Bonniface had said. If it would make the town a little brighter, so much the better. People so far, since he had been there, had behaved themselves. They had very few cases of drunkenness.

The Chairman: So far as you are concerned, you do not raise any objection?

The Chief Constable: No, sir.

The Chairman said the applications with regard to those three days were granted.

Folkestone Express 10-2-1934

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 7^th: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, Dr. W.W. Nuttall, Mr. W. Smith, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Mr. F. Seager, Councillor W. Hollands, and Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) presented his report as follows:- I have the honour to present my eleventh annual report relating to the administration of the licensing laws within the borough for the year ending 31^st December, 1933.

Licensed Premises: There are 113 premises in the borough licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, the number being made up as follows: Full licences, 68; beer on, 7; beer off, 10; beer and spirit dealers, 9; grocers, etc., off, 6; confectioners wine on, 5; cider and sweets, off, 2; chemists wine off, 6; Total 113. (80 on and 33 off). This is a chemist`s wine off licence less than the preceding year, no application having been made for its renewal.

Alehouse Licences: Of the alehouse licences, one is a six days` licence.

Occasional Licences: Thirty seven occasional licences were granted to licence holders to sell intoxicating liquor other than on their own licensed premises.

Extension of Licensing Hours: Eight hundred and ninety nine extensions have been granted to licence holders within the borough when dinners, etc., were being held on their licensed premises, and on the occasion of public holidays. This is 395 more than the preceding year and is the highest number on record for the borough. In spite of this, however, I am pleased to report that in no case has any abuse of the privilege been recorded.

Alterations to Licensed Premises: Structural alterations to licensed premises were sanctioned by the Bench during the year as follows: 18^th January, 1933, Guildhall Hotel; 12^th July, 1933, Foresters Arms; 12^th July, 1933, Earl Grey.

Proceedings Against licence Holders: Two licence holders were proceeded against during the year for committing breaches of the Intoxicating Liquor Laws. One was fined 10s. for selling an unsealed bottle of beer to a child under 14 years of age, and the other was fined £5 and £2 costs for permitting his premises to be used for the purpose of betting by persons resorting thereto. Two other licensees were cautioned by me; one for permitting disorderly conduct on his premises, and the other for permitting drunkenness.

Drunkenness: During the year 23 persons (21 males and two females) were proceeded against in the Borough Police Court for drunkenness, and were dealt with as follows: Convicted, 13 males and 2 females. Discharged, 8 males. The persons proceeded against were: Residents of Folkestone, 8 males, 1 female; Non-residents, 5 males, 1 female; No fixed abode, 8 males. The total proceedings for drunkenness show an increase of eight as compared with the preceding year, when 11 persons were convicted and four discharged.

Visits by Police to Licensed Premises: All licensed premises have been periodically visited at irregular intervals by my officers to see that they are being conducted in a satisfactory manner, and only one adverse report has been submitted to me, which resulted in the licensee being cautioned for permitting disorderly conduct on his premises. The total number of visits made by the police was 1,434.

Permitted Hours: The permitted hours as allowed by the Licensing Act of 1921 have been fixed by the Licensing Justices for this Borough as under: Weekdays from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. On the 2^nd February, 1926, an extension of half an hour was granted by the Bench under the provisions of Section 1 (1) of the Licensing Act, 1921 (from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on weekdays only) during the months of June, July, August and September. This extension has been in force during the months mentioned every year since, and I am pleased to say that no ill-effects have been observed. In this connection I would draw your attention to the abstract attached.

Clubs: Eighteen clubs where intoxicating liquor is supplied are registered under the Act. This is one club less than the preceding year, The Associated Motor Owners` Society Club, of 10, Cheriton Gardens, having closed down on the 18^th March, 1933.

Hotels: six hotels and two restaurants have authority under Section III of the Licensing Act, 1921, to supply intoxicating liquor with meals for one hour after 10 p.m. an weekdays, namely: Royal Pavilion Hotel, Grand Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Princes Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Metropole Hotel, Central Cafe and Savoy Cafe.

Music and Dancing: Forty nine licences for music and dancing have been granted or renewed under the provisions of Part IV of the Public Health (Amendment) Act, 1890. This is an increase of two as compared with the previous year. Of this number, 18 are for the use of wireless for public entertainment in licensed premises.

Billiards Licences: There is no change in the number of billiards licences in the borough, three premises being licensed for this, namely: The Queen`s Hall, Tontine Street, 24, Rendezvous Street, and the Fishermen`s Institute, The Stade.

Conclusion: In conclusion I should like to express my appreciation of the happy relations existing between the Bench and the Police during the year under review, and for the valuable assistance and advice of your Clerk, Mr. Charles Rootes, which is always unreservedly placed at my service.

The Chairman said that the Justices had had better reports, but still that was a very good report. He thought that the licensees had got through a year in Folkestone without any prosecution at all, when they were able to carry out the liquor laws to the letter, but there had been two cases during the past year, although one was more of a technical nature. They would see from the report that in the past they had had less persons proceeded against for drunkenness. They had had eight more than in the previous year, but when they analysed it and found there were only nine residents of Folkestone who had got into trouble during the whole of the year, he thought it spoke very well of the people who lived there, and also of those thousands of visitors they had in Folkestone in the summer, when only six of them got into trouble with the police through having intoxicating liquor. On other points he thought they perhaps had something to congratulate themselves, because more applications had been made for extensions during the past year than ever before – 395 more than the preceding year – and that was easily a record. The Licensing Justices were always pleased to meet those applications, unless there was some very strong reason as to why they should not be granted, but he thought perhaps at that juncture he had better emphasise again that those extensions, although granted by the Licensing Justices, were granted especially for those persons who were attending the dinner, or ball, or dance, whatever it might be, and not for the outside public. It was not intended that the outside public should use those extensions to get intoxicating liquor after licensed houses were closed. Eight years ago they tried an experiment when it was only being tried in one or two places, of granting that extra half hour on weekdays during the summer months. According to the Chief Constable there, no ill-effects had been observed, and the Licensing Justices were still of the opinion that that half hour was very useful to the licensees and to the visitors to the town during the crowded months in the summer, and therefore they had no regrets of having granted them.

It was then announced by the Chairman that the Justices were going to renew the whole of the liquor licences under the same terms as before. Other licences with regard to music and dancing and billiards were also renewed.

The Justices fixed the date of Tuesday, 6^th March for the adjourned general annual licensing meeting.

Folkestone Herald 10-2-1934

Annual Licensing Sessions

“Eight years ago we tried an experiment that had only been tried in one or two places then, of granting an extra half hour on weekdays during the summer months. No ill-effects have been observed, and the Licensing Magistrates are still of the opinion that that half hour is very useful to the licensees and residents the town during the crowded months of the summer. Therefore, as we have no regrets of having granted it to you, we are going to renew the whole of the liquor licences on the same terms as before”.

This very satisfactory statement on the sobriety of the borough was made by the Chairman of the Licensing Magistrates (Alderman R.G. Wood) at the Annual Licensing Sessions at the Town Hall on Wednesday. The other Magistrates were Engineer Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, Mr. J.H. Blamey, Councillor W. Hollands, Mr. F. Seager, Mr. W. Smith, and Dr. W.W. Nuttall.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) presented his report (see Folkestone Express for details).

The Chairman of the Magistrates said the Licensing Justices had listened to the report of the Chief Constable and they were agreed that it was a good report. They had had better reports in one or two respects, but it was still a very good report. He thought that in the past the licensees had got through a whole year in Folkestone without any prosecution at all, and had been able to carry out the liquor laws to the letter. There had been two cases during the past year, although one was more of a technical nature. They would also see that in past years they had had fewer persons proceeded against for drunkenness. Last year there were eight more than in the previous year, but when they found there were only nine residents of Folkestone who got into trouble during the whole of the year, he thought it spoke very well of the people who lived there, when they considered the tens of thousands of visitors they had in the town during the summer, and then only six got into trouble with the police owing to too much intoxicating liquor. Continuing, he said more applications had been made for extensions than ever before. There had been 899, and that was 595 more than the previous year. This was easily a record. The Licensing Justices had always been pleased to grant those applications, unless there was some very strong reason why they should not be granted. He thought he had better emphasise again about those extensions that – although so generously granted by the Licensing Magistrates – it must be understood that they were granted especially for those persons who were attending the dinner, or ball, or dance, or whatever the occasion was, and not for the outside public. It was not intended that the outside public should use those extensions to get intoxicating liquor after licensed houses were closed. That must be understood and carried out. He believed it was. Alderman Wood concluded by referring to the summer extensions, and announced that all the licences would be renewed.

It was decided to hold the adjourned general annual licensing session on March 6^th.

Folkestone Express 24-3-1934

Local News

At the Folkestone Police Court on Tuesday an extension was granted to the licence holders for an hour on each night on the Thursday and Saturday previous to Easter, and on Easter Monday. Dr. W.W. Nuttall was in the chair, and the other Magistrates on the Bench were Alderman T.S. Franks, Mrs. E. Gore, Mrs. F. Seager, and Judge H. Terrell, K.C.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface, in making the application on behalf of a number licensed victuallers, said the extension they sought was from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the Thursday before Good Friday, the Saturday before Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. Thursday night was included in that application for the first time, and it was for the reason that the customers of his clients had asked that it should be included. The Easter holidays really commenced on Thursday afternoon, when they got the influx of visitors who stayed until Monday. It was for those visitors that the application was made. It was not an unusual application, for a similar one was made at Hove the previous day and was granted. He asked the Magistrates with all confidence to grant the extension. The number of applicants were 56, which left only eleven outstanding, but one who lived on the outskirts of town stated frankly that he did not want it. The large hotels were not included in that application.

The Magistrates` Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) to Chief Inspector Pittock: An application was granted last year?

Chief Inspector Pittock: Only for Saturday and Monday.

The Chairman: Can you tell us how it was respected?

Chief Inspector Pittock: No irregularities were detected by the police last year as a result of the extension.

The Chairman: Do you oppose this application?

Chief Inspector Pittock: No, sir.

The Chairman: The application is granted.

Folkestone Herald 5-5-1934

Editorial

A decision of the High Court recently that an extension of half an hour during the summer months at seaside resorts is illegal has thrown Licensing Magistrates and licensees into a quandary, and there is a strong feeling amongst the general public that immediate action should be taken by Parliament to remedy the matter. Folkestone, like many other seaside resorts, has enjoyed the undoubted advantage of a half hour extension of licensing hours during the months of June, July, August and September, and there is ample justification for the statement that the privilege granted by the Licensing Magistrates has not been abused locally; on the contrary, visitors appreciate the concession and are glad of the relaxation of the usual stringent regulations. There is talk of submitting the High Court decision to the test of the Appeal Court, but if this is so, some time must elapse before an appeal could be heard. The exact position of Licensing Benches is at the moment obscure. In some quarters the opinion is expressed that Magistrates who grant the extra half hour this year will not be called upon to reverse their decision unless an appeal is made against the specific Bench. If this is so, will not the Magistrates be in a peculiar position, having regard to the clear decision of a higher Court? Certainly it will be open to any bitter opponent of the liquor trade to challenge the Magistrates` decision and to take the matter to the High Court forthwith. It seems to us that Parliamentary action is the only solution of the present complex situation. The future decisions of Benches of Magistrates in granting half hour extensions for the summer months would thereby be legalised and the present uncertainty removed. There can be no question of the opinion of the holiday public upon the matter. The extension is definitely needed in seaside resorts.

Folkestone Express 12-5-1934

Local News

On Friday, the Folkestone Magistrates, Mr. R.G. Wood, Eng. Rear Admiral L.J. Stephens, and Councillor W. Hollands, granted an application to 65 licensees, who are members of the Licensed Victuallers` Association in the extended borough, for an extension of one hour on the night of Saturday previous to Whit Sunday and on Whit Monday.

Mr. B.H. Bonniface (Messrs. G.W. Haines), in making the application, said the Magistrates had granted a similar request in previous years, when they had taken into consideration the number of visitors who came to Folkestone. That year they were going to be honoured with the conference of the League of Nations Union, and that was the first occasion that conference was being held in England. If they could show to those foreign delegates who were coming that they were, to the best of their ability, throwing off restrictions, they should show it to them.

The Chairman: What have the police to say with regard to the previous extensions?

Chief Inspector Pittock: There were no ill-effects noticed.

The Chairman: Is there any opposition from your department? Are you instructed to oppose the application in any way?

Chief Inspector Pittock: No. Sir.

The Chairman, to Mr. Bonniface: You are applying for 65 licensees?

Mr. Bonniface: Yes, sir. That number includes the whole of the members of the Association. There are only six non-members of the Association who hold licences, but I do not apply for the extension for them.

The Chairman said the application was granted.

Folkestone Herald 19-5-1934

Editorial

The Home Secretary, Sir John Gilmour, announced in the House of Commons this week that a Bill is to be introduced by the Government as soon as possible after Whitsun to enable an extension of permitted hours during the summer months from 10 to 10.30, at the discretion of the Justices. The position, however, appears to be no more clear today than it was a fortnight ago, when by the decision of the High Court it was held to be illegal to allow an extension of permitted hours for a portion of the year. In reply to a question in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary stated he “had no authority to give any ruling on the point as to whether the High Court decision only applied to one particular case or to the 120 other orders issued by Licensing Justices in all parts of the country”. The Home Secretary further stated that the advice given to him was that similar orders made by Licensing Benches in other districts were not automatically rendered inoperative. The Folkestone Licensing Magistrates have already granted an extension for this summer. It seems reasonably certain that a Bill to legalise the position would pass through the Commons without serious opposition. So far as seaside resorts are concerned, as we have said on previous occasions, the extension of licences during the summer months is a necessity, and in the past has been greatly appreciated by visitors to the town. So far as can be ascertained, the extension of hours over the four summer months has not resulted in an appreciable increase of drunkenness, or indeed in increased consumption of drink. The relaxation of the very stringent licensing laws during the summer enables visitors to enjoy a freedom and an amenity which is not available at other times of the year, and that it is appreciated is obvious by the number of applications which are made to Benches all over the country at this time of the year. The increasing number of foreign visitors to this country also appreciate the concession. The licensed trade naturally appreciates the extra half hour, and its members have shown themselves in the past to be anxious to allow no breaches of the law which would cause any withdrawal of the concession. It is hoped that the Bill will pass all its readings in order that the extension may be made during the months of June, July, August and September.

Folkestone Herald 15-12-1934

Local News

The Folkestone Licensing Magistrates on Tuesday granted an application for the extension of the drinking hours from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 22^nd, Monday, December 24^th, Boxing Day, and New Year`s Eve.

The application was made by Mr. B.H. Bonniface on behalf of 69 licensees in the form granted. He said the application was a little different from last year, because he was including the Saturday before Christmas, and he was doing that for the reason that it was expected many people not in business would be arriving for the Christmas holidays on Saturday. It was probable that many of them would do a lot of their shopping in the town on the Saturday and Christmas Eve. A similar application had been granted at Dymchurch.

The Chairman (Mr. R.G. Wood): The members of the Association think they have good grounds for asking for the Saturday night?

Mr. Bonniface: Yes.

And they believe there will be many extra people in the town on Saturday? – Yes.

The Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes) asked how the police viewed the application.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said there was the question of the convenience of the public. The police did not object.

The Chairman remarked that the application was on behalf of 69. Any licensees not included would have to make separate applications to the Magistrates.

Mr. Bonniface said the number included all but four.

The Chairman: We shall grant the application, not because Dymchurch has done so, but because we feel you have a reasonable ground for making it.

A similar application was made by another licensee and was granted.