Friday, 13 February 2015
General Licensing Notes 1950s
Folkestone Herald 11-2-1950
Annual Licensing Sessions
Only one conviction for drunkenness in Folkestone
during the last year was reported at the annual licensing sessions of the
Borough, held at the Town Hall on Wednesday. The Mayor presided with other
Licensing Magistrates.
In his report to the Magistrates, Supt. S.P. Large
said there were now 150 licensed premises in the town – one to every 355
people. Of these 97 were for consumption on or off the premises and 33 were for
consumption off the premises. There had been 17 transfers during the year.
Referring to the case of drunkenness, Supt. Large said the man involved was not
a local resident. Fourteen occasional licences were issued, 620 extensions of
hours granted, compared with 22 occasional licences and 465 extensions during
the previous year. “A total of 316 visits by the police was made to licensed
premises during the year”, continued Supt. Large. “Frequent visits of
inspection were also made to premises licensed for music and dancing. There
were no infringements of the licensing laws and premises generally were well
conducted. No complaints were received in respect of registered clubs”.
The Mayor said the Magistrates noted with great
pleasure that only one person had been proceeded against for being drunk and
incapable. He thought the fact it was the only case was a great credit to the
work of the licensees. During his term of Mayoralty he had received many
letters from visitors to the town congratulating the people of Folkestone on
their courtesy. He thought this reflected very well on the licensees, and they
were to be congratulated upon it.
The Magistrates renewed all licences.
Folkestone Herald
20-1-1951
Editorial
You may conduct a raffle at a church bazaar; you
may not conduct a raffle in a public house. You may sell a raffle ticket at a
sale of work; you may not sell a raffle ticket one step outside the door of the
hall in which the sale is being held. You may print tickets for some raffles;
you may not print tickets for other raffles. You may inveigle a complete stranger
into buying a raffle ticket at a sale of work; you may not persuade your best friend to buy a raffle ticket
in the street. And THAT is the law! Some raffles - call them draws, competitions
or just plain “swindles” - are right,
some are wrong. And the vast majority of raffles organised in Folkestone and Hythe, as elsewhere
in England, are wrong. Sooner or later someone somewhere is unfortunate enough
to be summoned for an offence which is committed almost every day in almost every town and
most villages in the Kingdom. At Christmastime it is part of the festivities
of the season to organise raffles and to sell and buy tickets; scarcely one of
us can turn out his wallet or pockets without finding old raffle tickets.
Usually prizes are small, sometimes they run up to £5 in value, in a few cases
raffles are organised on a wider scale with prizes of much greater value.
Almost all are illegal, the organisers being liable to penalties up to a fine
of £100: on conviction for a second offence they are liable to three months
imprisonment AND a fine of £100!
Most of us think the “small time’’raffle is
harmless enough; indeed in most cases they raise money for very useful social
and sporting purposes. You may not think there is much harm in selling tickets
at 3d. or 6d. each to raise money to keep a working lads’ cricket club going or
to help a workmate who through sickness has fallen on hard times. You may not
feel that, say, a tame rabbit, is likely to cause any man to spend more than he
can afford on the off chance that he may win it. But the law says that, with certain
exceptions, any competition (and “competition” is really an elegant name for
some of the very small draws that are held in clubs and pubs throughout the
land) which has no element of skill in it is illegal. If it is held at a church
bazaar or some such event it is different; the law does rot frown upon it. We
wonder what moral danger there is in these small, domestic affairs that give so
much pleasure, not only to those who sell and buy tickets but to
those who, perhaps through the proceeds of the raffles paid to sports or
recreational clubs, derive benefit from them. And we wonder too, why a raffle
at a church bazaar, in which the prize is perhaps a dressed doll, should be so
much more agreeable to our lawmakers than a raffle in
a public house with a tame rabbit as the prize. If, one is morally right, so is the other;
if one is morally wrong, no doubt the tame rabbit is also but the victim of
man's rapacity.
The Betting and Lottery Act, 1934, lays down (in
general terms) that any rattle except a small “bazaar” lottery or a private
lottery is illegal. A raffle may be held at a bazaar, sale of work, fete, or
similar event provided no tickets are issued or sold outside the hall
and the tickets are drawn in the hall itself before the conclusion of the
event. Furthermore all the proceeds, after deducting expenses and prizes (£10
limit), must be devoted to purposes other than private gain, and none of the
prizes must be of money. We have seen all sorts of attempts to overcome the terms of
the law in regard to raffles, such for instance as making members of an
organisation all who buy tickets, or giving a numbered ticket (which may win a
prize) in the form of a receipt for a subscription to a club or society, or
selling the ticket as an entry into some form of competition. Unless there is
some element of skill in the competition none of these devices makes the raffle
legal. A private lottery is one in which the sale of tickets is confined either
to the members of a club or society, or to people who all work or live in the
same place. But no tickets may be sold outside the premises or place of
employment and it must not be advertised outside. “The law is a ass – a idiot”,
said Mr. Bumble. It may be, but it is the law nevertheless, and “ignorance of
the law excuses no man”.
Folkestone Herald
17-2-1951
Annual Licensing Sessions
Folkestone licensees were congratulated on
Wednesday by the Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) at the General Annual Licensing
Meeting on the manner in which they had conducted their houses in 1950. “With the numbers of visitors and
residents in Folkestone we cannot expect to get away with a 100 per cent clean
sheet”, he said.
Supt. T. Large, presenting his report on licensed
houses, said during the year six persons were proceeded against for being
drunk and incapable. One had been drinking methyylated spirits, four for being drunk and
disorderly and two for driving motor vehicles whilst under the influence of
drink or drugs, one of the latter being acquitted. During 1949 only one person was
convicted, a non-resident who was drunk and incapable. He said the total number of premises
licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor was 129, or one for every 357
inhabitants. For consumption on or off the premises there were 82 publicans’
licences, nine beerhouses and five wine, sweets and cider licences. Licences for consumption off the
premises included 17 beer, wine and spirit licences and 16 shops where other
goods were sold. The number of wine licences had decreased by one. The licence of 28,
Rendezvous Street had not been renewed. In regard to off licences the figure varied from
the previous year because “other goods” were not sold at 67, High Street,
Sandgate. The Superintendent reported that the number of licences transferred
during the year was 11 in respect of licensed premises and one in respect of
music and dancing. The number of registered clubs in the borough was 28, an increase of
two. During the period under review there were 23 occasional licences granted
and 743 extensions of hours, compared with 14 occasional licences and 620
extensions in 1949. Of the extensions granted in 1950, 83 were in respect of registered
clubs. Seventy-three
premises were licensed for music and dancing, an increase of three. Of these 23
were granted for the use of wireless only. The billiard licence in respect of 24, Rendezvous Street,
premises requisitioned as Income Tax offices, was renewed in 1950. Supt. Large said 274 visits were made by the police
to licensed premises during the year and frequent inspections were made to
premises licensed for music and dancing. “The premises were generally well conducted”, he
said. “But in one case it was deemed necessary to caution the licensee for a
breach of the Act”. He said licences still in suspense were as follows: Alexandra
Tavern, Bridge Street: The Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street; The Chequers Seagate
Street; Pavilion Shades, Tram Road; The Swan, Dover Road; Wonder Tavern, Beach
Street; The Wellington, Beach Street; and the Victoria Pier. All the premises
were either destroyed or badly damaged during the war. The Royal Pavilion Hotel was still requisitioned by a Government
department, and the Leas Hotel, Clifton Gardens, was closed.
At the last Brewster Sessions an application in respect of structural
alterations was not approved.
The Chairman said it was
a privilege to thank the Superintendent for being able to produce such a
favourable report. “I congratulate and thank all the licensees of
Folkestone for making it possible for such a report to be presented”, he said. “When we realise that in Folkestone we
have a population in the region of 50,000, and during the summer the number is
nearly doubled, the whole of the town can be satisfied and pleased with such a
report”. “You will notice that a very small number of people have been proceeded
against in comparison with the population”. he said. “Most of them were birds
of passage - a few visitors we should like to stop away”. He said reference had been made to methylated
spirit drinking. That was a spirit which was not sold by licensees. It was
brought to the notice of the magistrates that one or two of the people who came
before them had been drinking in public houses but had finished off by drinking
methylated spirits. “It is my pleasure to thank all the licensees for their efforts in the
past to keep the sheet as clean as possible”, said Ald. Hollands. “I hope next
year will be a prosperous one for you all and that we shall have an even better
report at the next meeting”.
Folkestone Herald
16-2-1952
Local News
Application is to be made by the Folkestone and District
Licensed Victuallers` Association at the adjourned Annual Licensing Meeting for
a variation of the permitted hours to enable members to sell until 10.30
throughout the year. At the Annual Licensing meeting on Wednesday Mr. Norman
Franks asked that a notice informing the public of the proposed application
should be published. Mr. Franks said he did not propose to go into the merits
of the application except to say that it would be supported by the licensed
victuallers of the town, and that evidence would be placed before the adjourned
meeting.
“The notice I am asking you to instruct your Clerk to
publish will give everyone in the borough an opportunity of knowing what is
proposed”, he said. “Anybody who has any objection will then be able to come to
the meeting or be represented. The object of the application is that the
general closing time throughout the year should be 10.30 p.m. As the law stands, you cannot have
10.30 p.m. closing throughout the year unless you have eight and a half hours’
opening instead of eight hours”.
The magistrates agreed that the notice should be
published.
Folkestone Gazette
20-2-1952
Local News
Referring at Folkestone’s General Annual Licensing
meeting last Wednesday to two motorists who had been convicted at Folkestone
during the year for driving whilst under the influence of drink, the Chairman
(Ald. W. Hollands) said it was two too many. “I should like as Chairman to impress on all
motorists who take liquor to take it in moderation”, he said. “Anybody driving
after taking too much liquor is a menace not only to other drivers but to
pedestrians”.
Supt. S. Large,
submitting his annual report on the licensed houses in the borough, said the total
number of premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor was 130, one
for every 355 persons, based on the population of the 1931 census. During the
year eight persons were proceeded against for offences of drunkenness, and seven
convicted. Of this number three were charged with being in charge of motor vehicles whilst under the influence of
drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control
and one defendant was acquitted. The figure compared with
a total of 11 convicted for drunkenness in 1950.
The Chairman thanked the Superintendent, the police
and the licence holders for a good ¡report. “In connection with drunkenness it
is a really good report”, said Ald. Hollands. “We have nearly 50,000 population
and in the summer peak period it is doubled. Nearly all the people charged with
drunkenness were not really resident in Folkestone”. The Chairman also made a special point of mentioning the number of
occasional licences and extensions of hours granted during the year. “We are
very please as Magistrates”, he said, “to use our discretion to grant occasional
licences and extensions or hours. In a town like Folkestone
where we rely so much on visitors we are very pleased to grant these
extensions, which must be of a bona fide nature”.
Folkestone Herald
23-2-1952
Notice
Borough of Folkestone
Licensing Acts 1910 and 1921
Notice is hereby given
that at the Adjourned General Annual Licensing
Meeting to be held at the Town Hall, Folkestone on the 12th day of March 1952
at 11 am. a proposal will be considered for modifying in accordance with
section 1 (1) (b) of the Licensing Act 1921 the hours applicable to licensed
premises and clubs in the Licensing District of the said Borough and for fixing
within the prescribed limits in accordance with section 1 (2) and section 2
(2) of the said Act the permitted hours for licensed premises in the said
Licensing District.
Charles Rootes.
Clerk to the Licensing Justices Magistrates’
Clerk’s Office,
27, Cheriton Gardens, Folkestone, Kent.
13th February, 1952.
Folkestone Herald
15-3-1952
Local News
Lack of unanimity amongst the town`s licensees was the
reason given at the Adjourned General Annual Licensing meeting at Folkestone on
Wednesday for the Justices` refusal to grant an extension of half an hour
during the winter as well as the summer months. The application, made by Mr.
Norman Franks, was on behalf of 39 of the town`s licensees; there was
opposition from 30 licensees, whose names were appended to a petition submitted
by Mr. P.W. Attwood, licensee of the London and Paris Hotel. There was also
opposition from the Free Church Council, and various youth organisations,
represented by Mr. F.J. Black.
Mr. Franks said before making the application there was
one matter which he felt duty bound to explain to the Magistrates. “In view of the
opposition from the licensing trade”, he continued, “you may feel it was
presumptuous of me to come here on the first occasion and ask you to instruct
your learned Clerk to issue a notice in the Press. The position at that time,
according to my instructions, was that at a specially convened meeting of the
Licensed Victuallers` Association a resolution was passed by a considerable
majority of persons present that this matter should be brought before your
worships and the application made. In view of that, application was made at the
General Annual Licensing meeting for this notice to be inserted in the Press”. Mr. Franks said the present position
was that out of 75 licensees in the town 39 were in favour of the application,
which was made on the grounds that it would be of benefit to the public. There
had been a considerable change in the habits of the public who frequented
public houses since the war, particularly in the last two or three years. They
commenced their evening’s entertainments much later and when meetings were
held on licensed premises they started much later in the evening than they used
to do. There was little trade, generally, at six o`clock, when the houses
opened; it was done later in the evening. The main industry of Folkestone was visitors
and it was highly desirable that there should be an extension of the season in
Folkestone. In order to do that one had to provide every possible amenity all
the year round.
Evidence in support of the application was given by Mr. H.J. Reader,
licensee of the Railway Bell, Dover Road, and Mr. D.L. Gouge, licensee of the
George Inn, George Lane.
Mr. Black, opposing the application, said the extension would benefit
some licensees financially, but they had not brought anyone to say that it
would benefit the public.
Supt. S. Large said he had no comment to make from a police point of
view; it was the practice of the Chief Constable of Kent to leave such matters
to the Justices.
After the application had been refused, the Magistrates` Clerk (Mr. C.
Rootes) reminded the Court that the 10.30 closing time for the summer would be
from April 21st to October 4th.
Folkestone Gazette
5-11-1952
Local News
The Housing and Town
Planning Committee report that in connection with the Harbour Redevelopment
Areas a letter had been received from the Kent Brewers’ Union agreeing to the
revised suggestions of the Corporation that certain existing licensed houses
in the area be retained.
The Borough Engineer informed
the committee that he would be discussing the matter with the Brewers’ representative
shortly and would then be in a position to arrange a meeting between the
Redevelopment Sub-Committee and the Brewers` representatives.
Local Notes
What may be very surprising to you in these modern days were the large
number of it public houses in Folkestone between 60 and 70 years ago. Many have disappeared, but in my possession
is a yellowed document in which the name of every pub in the town of those
long-off days is named. Who was the author there’s no clue.
On the top of the
document is: “Folkestone Licensed Victuallers and their Signs; or, a local,
logical explanation of Puzzling whys and wherefores”. Then
the document goes on:
Coming to Folkestone in
the Ship, commanded by Lord Nelson, who had the Royal Standard flying (which
was one of the Cinque Ports Arms), we were surprised at the Gun not being fired
as we passed the South Foreland, but seeing the Harbour Lights we
passed the Packet Boat, and were soon at the Pier, where Raglan, seeing the British
Colours, gave us an Imperial reception.
Passing the Chequers and
going to the Pavilion, we found it a Rendezvous for the elite, Meeting George
III, the Duke of Edinburgh, Bouverie and Salisbury, two sly cards, who were
trying to meet the Two Bells, Alexandra and Agnes, but were disappointed as
they had gone with the Prince of Wales to the London and Paris Hotel, who, in
company with Granville, was telling them about his voyage round the Globe on
board the George and the high jinks they had while at Cyprus, where, thanks to
Providence, they had cast the Blue Anchor in the Harbour by the Martello Tower,
and were a cause of Wonder to the natives. Passing the Lifeboat of Royal Kent
we heard the Railway Bell ringing loudly, which frightened the Swan and Eagle,
who took refuge in the Royal Oak, the Black Bull and the Red Cow hiding behind
the Wheatsheaf.
Bradstone, inviting us to
the New Inn, we were surprised at seeing Rose in the Mechanics’ Arms, much to
the disgust of Richmond and other Oddfellows who were present. Harvey said a
little Perseverance would take us to Belle Vue, when we could see the Castle,
and as the Foresters were there, it being a Sportsman’s party, he had good
Hope we should have a good time, and come back by Railway. Passing the
East Kent Arms we heard the British Lion had knocked the Mitre off the Queen's
Head into the Fountain, and was now supposed to be near the Oak on West Cliffe.
Dropping into the Lees we heard the Duke of York reciting Shakespeare to Royal
George, who had just been honoured with the Star and Garter. The East
Cliff Tavern being repaid by the Bricklayer’s Arms - and there not being a Star
Inn the sky - we turned into the Brewery Tap, just missing Clarendon, who had
gone to the Foord Road Tavern. The last we saw was Victoria and Albert, who
were having a regular Jubilee with the Princess Royal and Earl Grey, and were laughing
at the Marquis of Lorne - who thought himself a True Briton - and was singing
rule Britannia in the Queen’s Hope.
A good many of these hostelries nave gone and where
inns like the British Colours, the Harbour Lights, the Blue Anchor, the
Sportsman and the Bricklayer’s Arms, to mention only a few, were, I know not.
Folkestone Herald
14-2-1953
Annual Licensing Sessions
Changing times in the licensing trade were referred to by
the Chairman at Folkestone Brewster Sessions on Wednesday. Ald. W. Hollands
said he had been associated with the Bench for 30 years and there had been many
changes during that time. He was struck to read in the local Press that at a
Brewster Sessions 50 years ago it was reported that 78 males and 22 females had
been charged with drunkenness, and 90 were convicted.
Supt. S.F. Large reported that during the past year eight
persons were convicted for drunkenness.
Congratulating the Superintendent on his report, Ald. Hollands said it was a credit to
the borough, and it was gratifying to know that there had been very little
drunkenness during the previous year. “I believe”, he continued, that most of it took place in the summer
months and the people concerned were not residents of Folkestone. Therefore I
think we can pass it over as being of no great importance”. Complimenting the
licensees on the way they had carried out their duties, the Chairman said they
had a very responsible job considering the different types of visitors who came
to the town. “Not one licensee was brought before us during the past year”, he said.
“It is gratifying to know that the discretion of the magistrates in granting
occasional licences and extension has not been abused”. He said the ideas of
the public were changing, and it became everybody connected with the trade to
watch the changing circumstances. “In the old days”, said Ald. Hollands, “many
people had nowhere to go except to a public house for a change. Today you are
faced with tremendous competition in providing for the needs of young and old
people. Nevertheless, the responsibility is still yours and we hope that the
ensuing year will be successful for you all”.
The Chairman said all licences would be renewed,
with the exception of music and dancing licences. The Hypnotism Act of 1952 would come into force in
April and it had been decided to defer consideration of the renewal of music
and dancing licences, except those only for wireless, until the adjourned
annual licensing meeting in four weeks’ time. It would then be considered whether there should be
any condition preventing exhibitions of hypnotism.
Supt. Large reported that the total number of
premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor in the borough was 129;
one for every 357 persons, based on the population for the 1931 Census. The number of licences transferred
during the year was 17. Supt. Large said of the eight persons convicted for offences of
drunkenness, three were charged with being in charge of motor vehicles whilst
under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of
having proper control. The total number of registered clubs within the borough was 35. During
the year five new clubs were registered and one “struck off” after formal
proceedings as having “ceased to exist”. There was, therefore, an increase of
four over the total for 1951. During the period under review there were 46 occasional licences
granted and 1,187 extensions of hours, compared with 80 occasional licences
and 731 extensions of hours for the year 1931. Of the 1,187 extensions, 80
were in respect of registered clubs. The Superintendent reported that there were 75
premises in the borough with music and dancing licences. The licence in respect of 24,
Rendezvous Street was again renewed. The premises were still requisitioned by
the Inland Revenue Authorities and were not, therefore, used for the purpose
for which the licence was granted. A total of 296 visits by the police was made to
licensed premises during the year and, in addition, other premises holding
music and dancing licences were also visited. In all cases it was found that
they were generally well conducted. Licences were still in suspense in respect of the
Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street; the Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street; the Chequers,
Seagate Street; the Pavilion Shades, Tram Road; the Swan, Dover Road; the Wonder
Tavern, Beach Street; the Victoria Pier. The premises were either destroyed or badly damaged
during the war. The Royal Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone Harbour, was still
requisitioned by a Government Department.
Folkestone Herald
21-3-1953
Local News
All Folkestone hotels and public houses were granted
extensions of hours for the Easter weekend at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court
yesterday.
The application for extensions from 10 p.m. to
11.30 p.m. on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, and from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
on Easter Sunday, was later than the hours asked for in previous years, it
being stated that there was a demand for longer extension, particularly on the
Sunday evening.
The Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) said the
magistrates had decided to grant the application as an experiment.
Folkestone Herald
9-5-1953
Local News
Folkestone Justices held yesterday that Coronation
year is a special occasion. They granted extensions from 10.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 10
p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Sundays for the period June 7th to September
30th. The application was opposed by the police, who submitted that it was not
a special occasion within the provisions of the Licensing Act. Special Coronation Day extensions from 2.30 p.m. to
3 p.m. and from 10.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. were granted. On the remaining days of
the week the extension will be from 10.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. only. Extensions
from 10.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Whit Saturday, and from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
on Whit Sunday, were also granted.
Folkestone Gazette
9-12-1953
Local News
When application was made at Folkestone Magistrates`
Court yesterday on behalf of all the town`s licensees for extension of hours
for the Christmas and New Year festivities the police asked that for the sake
of uniformity the extensions should be granted to 11 p.m., as in adjoining
districts.
The application, made by Mr. Norman Franks, was for
extensions on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day from 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m., and from
10 p.m. on New Year`s Eve to 12.15 a.m. on New Year`s Day.
The Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) said although they had
heard the explanation of the police on the desirability of uniformity they
realised Folkestone was a fashionable resort. It would probably attract many
more visitors than adjoining county areas. Therefore they felt justified in
granting the application.
Mr. Franks said the application was in respect of all
licensed premises within the jurisdiction of the Court. It was only right that
he should tell them that the hours asked for on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day were
half-an-hour longer than the previous year. He said he was instructed that the
licensees considered there was a need for the extra half-an-hour to 11.30 p.m.
this year. It was well known that Folkestone catered for visitors at Christmas.
“It may well be said”, added Mr. Franks, “as it has already been said to me in
another Court, that the police consider that there should be uniformity. That
is desirable at all times, but it depends on what you base that uniformity. As
far as I know, the police have never, in recent years, had any complaint as
regards the difficulty of supervising different houses in the areas in this
part of Kent”. “There have been different hours”, said Mr. Kent, “but the
Folkestone area and Seabrook have usually followed each other and have been the
same. But immediately you go into the Ashford police area there have been cases
when they have not been the same. I anticipate that it may be said by the
police that they want the hours to be uniform. It is quite wrong when you have
applications from licensees in a place like Folkestone to attempt to base
uniformity on an application made and granted at a small place like Tenterden.
That was thrown at me last week. It so happened that the Court where the first
Christmas applications were made was at Tenterden, where they decided they did
not want extensions beyond 11 p.m. One can understand that because there are
areas where they do not want it. But Folkestone is not an area of that kind and
it is not right to base uniformity on areas of that kind”.
Inspector Hack, asking that there should be uniformity,
said Wingham, Ashford and Dymchurch Magistrates had agreed to 11 o`clock
extensions on December 24th and 26th.
Folkestone Herald
12-12-1953
Local News
Licensed premises in Folkestone will be permitted to remain open on Christmas Eve and
Boxing Day until 11.30 p.m., and until 12.15 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. An
application for the extension of hours was made by Mr. Norman Franks, on
behalf of the licensees, at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He
pointed out that the hours asked for on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day were half
an hour longer than the previous year. The licensees considered there was a
need for the extra half hour to 11.30 p.m.
this year. It was well known that Folkestone catered for visitors at Christmas.
“I anticipate that it may be said by the police that they want the hours to be
uniform”, continued Mr. Franks. “It is quite wrong where you have applications from
licensees in a place like Folkestone to attempt to base uniformity on an
application made and granted at a small place like, say, Tenterden. It so happened that the court
where the first Christmas applications were made was at Tenterden, where they
decided they did not want extensions beyond 11 p.m”.
Inspector Hack, asking that there should be uniformity, said Wingham,
Ashford and Dymchurch magistrates had agreed to 11 o’clock extensions on
December 24th and 26th.
The Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) said Folkestone would probably attract
more visitors than adjoining county areas, therefore the magistrates felt
justified in granting the applications.
Folkestone Herald
13-2-1954
Annual Licensing Sessions
Folkestone`s licensees were congratulated by the Chairman (Ald. N.O.
Baker) at the general annual licensing meeting on Wednesday, on the way they
had conducted their premises during the year. “I realise you have a very important duty to perform
collectively”, he said. “There are occasions, I have no doubt, when you have
to use your initiative and a certain amount of restraint to avoid what might develop into very
unpleasant incidents. Your services in this respect have helped to make the Superintendent’s report acceptable
to us this morning. We hope this happy state of affairs will be repeated in the
report 12 months hence”.
The Superintendent of Police, Mr. S.F. Large, reported that the total
number of premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor in the borough
was 130, one for every 354 persons, based on the population for the 1931
census. There were 25 transfers during the year. “During the year”, he continued
“eight persons were proceeded against, and convicted of offences of drunkenness”. Of this number one was charged
with being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of drink or
drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control. “The figure of eight proceeded
against and convicted for drunkenness is the same as for 1952”. Referring to registered clubs in
the town, Mr. Large said the number within the borough was 34. During the year two new clubs were
registered and three struck off, after formal proceedings, as having “ceased to
exist”. There was a
decrease of one on the 1952 total. During the year one club proprietor was
cautioned for an infringement of the law. During the period under review there were 57 occasional
licences and 684 extensions of hours granted, compared with 48 occasional licences
and 1,181 extensions of hours for the year 1952. The Superintendent said 339 visits by the
police were made to licensed premises during the year and in addition other
premises holding music and dancing licences were also visited. In all cases it
was found that they were generally well conducted. Premises which were either
destroyed or badly damaged during the war, where licences were suspended, were
the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, the Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street, the
Chequers, Seagate Street, the Pavilion Shades, Tram Road, the Wonder Tavern,
Beach Street, the Swan,
Dover Road, the Victoria Pier, and the Wellington, Beach Street.
The Chairman said the report appeared very satisfactory and the
magistrates wished to thank the Superintendent and his officers who had extended
their authority in such a manner to bring about so desirable a report.
A music licence for the use of a piano was granted to the licensee of the
West Cliff Shades, and plans for alterations at the Valiant Sailor were
approved.
The Chairman announced that half an hour’s extension for the period of summer would be granted
from April 12th to October 2nd.
The adjourned annual licensing meeting will be held on March 10th.
Folkestone Herald
13-3-1954
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Extensions for the Easter and Whitsun periods and for 16 Sundays during
the summer months were granted by Folkestone Magistrates at the adjourned annual
licensing sessions on Wednesday.
Mr. N.W.S. Franks, on
behalf of the licensees of the borough, applied for extensions from 10.30 p.m.
until 11.30 p.m. on Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Whit Saturday and Whit
Monday; 10 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. on Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday, and 16 consecutive Sundays
between June 13th and September 26th. Dealing with the holiday applications,
Mr. Franks said the custom for many years had been for the applications to be
made a week or so before each holiday period, but it had been brought to the
notice of the licensees that in some areas the licensing justices had heard
applications for the whole
year. “You will
appreciate that it saves time and cost and a lot of paper work if you hear a
number of applications at one time”, he went on. “But it makes no difference to
the fees payable to the Magistrates’ Clerk’s office”. Mr. Franks added that the hours
were the same as had been granted in previous years.
Supt. S. F. Large said there was no Police objection to the Saturday and
Monday applications. Objecting to the proposed Sunday extensions, Supt. Large said he did not think they followed
the spirit of Section 102 of the new Licensing Act, although they had been
brought under Section 107. “I quite appreciate it can be granted. It is up to the Magistrates”, he
said.
Mr. Franks said the second application was that the licensees should be
granted a special order of exemption permitting them to remain open until
10.30 p.m. on Sundays
during the period of summer time as fixed at the general licensing meeting.
“This time was granted during the
Festival year, three years ago, and last year, Coronation year”, continued Mr.
Franks. “The result of that has been that the licensees have been able to gauge
the reaction of customers to this closing time of 10.30 p.m. in the summer
time. They have found that it has filled a very real need in the summer time to
serve the public as much between 10 and 10.30 p.m. on a Sunday as there is
between 10 and 10.30 p.m. on a Saturday”.
Supt Large, who produced a 1933 High Court ruling, did not think that 16
consecutive Sundays could be special occasions.
Mr. Franks said 20 years had passed since the case was decided. There
had been ample opportunity where this had been done in other places, but no
case had been brought to the High Court.
After the magistrates had retired to consider their decision, the
Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands) said they had decided to grant extensions on
Easter Saturday and Monday and Whit Saturday and Monday until 11 p.m. and not
11.30 p.m. With regard to Easter Sunday and Whit Sunday, the Magistrates considered
they were special occasions and the licensees could open until 10.30 p.m.
Turning to the application for the 16 Sundays, the Chairman said the Bench realised
Folkestone was a seaside resort and catered for lots of people. “One thing that
appeals to us is that we are near to the Continent, where they have much freer
hours”, he continued. “We feel we have a number of Frenchmen come into the town and they may
find our hours a little irksome. This does not apply to an inland town where they do not have day
visitors. The magistrates feel they are justified in granting the applications
till 10.30 p.m.” The
Chairman added that having regard to the possible weather, the magistrates felt
a licensee would not jeopardise his licence in any way if, having regard to
the number of customers, he decided to close his premises a little earlier than
before the end of the extended times.
Mr. Franks said the Chairman of the licensees was present and he felt
sure he would pass that feeling on.
Folkestone Gazette
21-7-1954
Local News
An hour’s extension from
10 30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on July 31st and August 2nd was
granted to all Folkestone licensees at Folkestone Magistrates' Court yesterday.
Mr. Norman Franks, making the application, recalled that last year there was no
separate application in respect of the August Bank Holiday because it was
covered by the extensions granted by the justices for the Coronation and summer
period.
Folkestone Herald
12-2-1955
Annual Licensing Sessions
No fewer than 1,497 extensions of licence were
granted by Folkestone Licensing Magistrates last year, it was revealed at the
annual Brewster Sessions, held at the Town Hall on Wednesday. All licences were
renewed and a half-hour's extension of permitted hours was granted from April
18th to October 1st.
“It is pleasing to the Magistrates to know
that extensions, which it is within our discretion to grant, are not abused”,
said the Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands). "We are particularly pleased because
Folkestone is a popular seaside resort. In the summer, and at other holiday
periods, the population increases tremendously. We are not unmindful of the fact that we have
had very few cases before the court as compared with years gone by. It may mean
that the licensing trade is not what it used to be, which probably accounts for
the more frequent transfers we now get”.
Supt. S.F. Large, presenting his annual report,
said the total number of premises in the town licensed for the sale of intoxicating
liquor was 128, one for every 350 persons, based on the population figure for
1951. During
the year under review there were 10 transfers in respect of licensed premises
and one in respect of a music and dancing licence. Nine persons were
proceeded against and convicted for offences of drunkenness. Included in the
number were five charged with being in charge of motor vehicles whilst under
the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable
of having proper control. The figure of nine proceeded against was an increase
of one on 1953. Supt. Large said the number of registered clubs in the borough
was 34. During the year two new clubs were registered and two struck off after
formal proceeding as having ceased to exist. During the year 45 occasional
licences and 1,497 extensions of hours were granted, compared with 57
occasional licences and 684 extensions of hours for 1953. Of that number 105
were in respect of registered clubs. There were 80 premises in the town
licensed under Part IV of the Public Health Amendment Act, 1890. The figure
showed an increase over the preceding year, two new licences having been
granted and one not renewed. Twenty seven of the licences were granted for the
use of wireless only. The Superintendent said the billiards licence in respect
of 24, Rendezvous Street was again renewed. The premises were still
requisitioned by the Inland Revenue Authorities and were not used for the
purpose for which the licence was granted. During the year 301
visits by the police were made to licensed premises, and in addition to other
premises holding music and dancing licences. It was found that they were
generally well conducted, but one licensee was cautioned for a minor offence.
Suspended licences in respect of premises either destroyed or badly damaged
during the war included Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, The Wheatsheaf, Bridge
Street, The Chequers, Seagate Street, The Pavilion Shades, Tram Road, The
Wonder Tavern, Beach Street, The Swan, Dover Road, the Victoria Pier, and the
Wellington, Beach Street. The licence of 44, Guildhall Street, was also
suspended. The Royal Pavilion Hotel, which had been requisitioned by a
Government department, was handed back to Frederick Hotels on December 17th
last.
The Chairman, thanking
the Superintendent for his favourable report, also expressed the Magistrates`
thanks to the licensees, who had helped to make the report possible.
All publican`s licences
were renewed, and it was announced that the permitted hours for summer time
until 10.30 p.m. would operate from April 18th until October 1st,
both days inclusive. It was also announced that transfer sessions would be held
on March 9th, April 13th, May 25th, July 13th,
August 17th, September 28th, November 9th, and
January 11th, 1956. The adjourned licensing meeting will be held on
March 9th.
A music licence for a
radio-gramophone at the Valiant Sailor was granted, and plans for the provision
of a store at the Black Bull Hotel approved.
Editorial
Once again the Magistrates of Folkestone, Hythe and
Romney Marsh have had cause to praise the licensees of the districts upon the
excellent manner in which they have conducted their businesses. No licensees
have been proceeded against during the last year and only one licensee was
cautioned for a minor offence – this in spite of constant surveillance by the
police and frequent visits to licensed premises. It is a record of which the
trade locally may well be proud and one which, we hope, will be maintained
fully in the coming year. No trade is more beset by rules and regulations, with
difficulties and problems, than that of the licensed victualler; he must be all
things to all men, but he must still keep inside the complex and exacting
licensing laws. His task has been made easier in recent years, perhaps, by the
fact that the hard-drinking man is becoming, if he has not already become, a
relic of the past. There is undoubtedly a greater sense of responsibility, not
only on the part of licensees but also of the public which, coupled with the
high price of beer and spirits, has brought about a great change in the public
house. The old sawdust-floored, dingy, unattractive drinking den has gone; in
its place is a well-appointed, comfortable and agreeable inn or tavern where all
but the smallest of minority of cases drinking for drinking`s sake simply does
not exist. The inn is more in the nature of a club, social centre and
meeting-place than it ever was before, and brewers have spent many thousands of
pounds in reconstruction and modernisation to make it so.
Another pleasing feature of the police report to the
Licensing Magistrates in Folkestone is that although the number of extensions
of hours granted for dinners, dances and other social events – no fewer than
1,497 – has increased substantially there has been no abuse of the concession.
In a popular seaside resort such as Folkestone it is necessary that such
extensions should be granted in and out of season, for visitors as well as
residents reasonably expect facilities comparable with those of other resorts.
So long as the extensions are not abused we see no reason why they should not
be granted. Hoteliers and others who are allowed extensions are always careful
to see that during the extra period “outsiders” do not take advantage of a
facility granted solely for the convenience of those attending particular
functions. The system of “going on” from one place to another after the normal
permitted hours has been effectively killed by their vigilance.
Heavy taxation, coupled with increasing costs of labour
and material, have forced up the price of beer and spirits to a point where
they have become luxuries which can be afforded only to a limited degree. The
contribution which the licensed trade makes to the national exchequer runs into
many millions; without it taxation would inevitably be substantially higher. No
doubt the high cost has something to do with the sobriety of the public; few
people could afford to drink heavily even if they desired to do so, but it has
also had the effect of making at least some licensed businesses extremely
hazardous in the way of profit, so much so that changes of licensees are
frequent, and some licensees have perforce had to take up other work to earn
sufficient money for a living, their wives conducting their inns during their
absence. All praise to the women of the licensed trade who, under very trying
conditions, give their most loyal and willing support to keep their husband`s
business going. But we wonder if taxation is not killing the goose that lays
the golden egg, if the share that the Chancellor of the Exchequer obtains from
the trade has not become so large and burdensome that the sourec of so much
revenue will begin to recede and dwindle, not alone because of taxation but
also because of the changing habits and attitude of the public. Many feel that
the licensed trade is overwieghted with taxation and may be hard put to it to
make ends meet, let alone achieve reasonable profit, unless some relief is
given in the immediate future.
Folkestone Herald
12-3-1955
Adjourned Licensing Sessions
Folkestone Licensing Magistrates on Wednesday accepted
a submission that no “special occasion” was represented in an application for
an extension of licensing hours from 10 until 10.30 p.m. on Sundays for the
period June 5th to September 25th inclusive. “We have given this matter very careful
consideration”, said the Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands), “but we feel that we have
no power to grant the application. There is no reason, if any special occasion
comes along, to prevent it being brought before us for our consideration”.
The application, on behalf of all Folkestone
licensees, was made by Mr. Norman Franks, who said it had been granted during
the last two years. “I need not dwell on
the fact that Folkestone is a seaside resort, and that the principal industry
is the hotel industry”, Mr. Franks said. “However, I think there are two other
things that might be borne in mind. First, great efforts are being made by the
business community and the hotel industry to extend the season, both at the
beginning of the warmer time of the year and at the end of the season.
Secondly, you will have noticed that this year Folkestone is to have a larger
number of conferences than ever before, extending from the Spring, practically,
until the Autumn. In
the last two years the extra half-hour on Sundays has filled a need for
visitors, and for a number of residents in Folkestone. One has only to go on The Leas on a
Sunday night and see people going in and coming from hotels”. Mr. Franks said that perhaps he should
deal with a matter raised last year by Supt. Large. Attention was drawn to a
case in 1933, Rex v. Justices of the County of Sussex. In that case it was said that where a
number of orders had been granted for the period of “Summer Time” (which was
quoted) it was held that the statutory period of “Summer Time” was not a
special occasion. “The only thing I can say is this, that that decision was
made in 1933, and, as I said last year, the whole structure of the licensing trade,
and the needs of the public, have altered, beyond question, in the years that
have intervened since”., Mr. Franks added.
Supt. Large said it was the opinion of the police
that 11 consecutive Sundays could not be special occasions, unless there was,
on each of those Sundays, something special, something peculiar, something
particular to the place. In addition to the case Mr. Franks had spoken of,
there were other cases which supported that view. There was the case of 19 consecutive days for
market days, when it was held that the magistrates had no power to extend
licences over the months covered; there were no special occasions. The Lord
Chief Justice had said the Justices were wrong in granting exemptions. Then
there was the case of a number of consecutive Sundays where pleasure boats and
trains, excursions in fact, started from a particular point. The Lord Chief
Justice then said they were not special occasions. “The yardstick of special
occasions has not yet changed, and, with great respect, I say that this
application should not be granted”, Supt. Large concluded.
As stated, the application was refused.
Mr. Franks made another application, on behalf of
Folkestone licensees, for the following extensions: Easter Saturday, 10 to 11
p.m.; Easter Sunday, 10 to 10.30 p.m.; Easter Monday, 10 to 11 p.m.; Whit
Saturday, 10.30 to 11 p.m.; Whit Sunday, 10 to 10.30 p.m.; Whit Monday, 10.30
to 11 p.m. Mr. Franks said the Magistrates would no doubt appreciate that those
applications had been granted in previous years. Easter was the first holiday
of the year, and there would be the Easter Hockey Festival in Folkestone.
Whitsun was also a holiday time, and he thought the Magistrates might see their
way to follow their previous decision, and grant the application.
The Magistrates agreed that the application should be
granted.
Folkestone Gazette
22-6-1955
Local News
Application on behalf of all the licensees in Folkestone
for an extension of half-an-hour on Sundays in July was refused at Folkestone
Magistrates` Court yesterday.
Mr. Norman Franks, making the application, recalled that
in March last he made a similar application on behalf of the licensees for Sunday evenings
during June, July, August and September. The Magistrates decided at that time
they could not regard all Sundays over a four month period as a special occasion
and the application was refused.
Chief
Inspector L.A. Hadlow said the views of
the police were expressed by Superintendent Large in March last. As far the
police were concerned, he felt that five consecutive Sundays, with nothing
peculiar about them, could not be regarded as a special occasion.
The Chairman (Alderman W. Hollands), after the Magistrates
had retired to consider the application, said they felt they would not be
justified in granting it.
Folkestone Gazette
20-7-1955
Local News
Extensions of hours for the August Bank Holiday were granted
to 75 Folkestone licensees on Friday.
Mr. Norman Franks, appearing for the licensed
victuallers, told the justices that the application, in respect of 74 full
licences, was for an hour from 10.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30th,
and an hour on August Bank Holiday Monday. On the Sunday the extension
requested was from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. As far as the Beach Hotel, with a six-days’
licence, was concerned, the application was for the Saturday and Monday only.
The
application was granted.
Folkestone Herald
10-12-1955
Local News
Folkestone Justices on Tuesday
granted Christmas and New Year’s Eve extensions to the licensees of 73 public
houses and 12 hotels in the town.
The extensions granted to
public houses were as follows: December 23rd, from 10 p.m. to 11.30
p.m.; December 24th, from 10 p.m. to 11.30
p.m.; Boxing Day, from 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.; New Year’s Eve, from 10 p.m. to
12.15 a.m. Hotel extensions were granted as follows: December 23rd,
10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.; December 24th, 10 p.m. to midnight; Boxing
Day, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. December 27th, 10 p.m. to midnight; New
Year`s Eve, 10 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.
Granting the extensions, the Chairman (Ald. W.
Hollands) said licensees were not bound to keep open for the hours that had
been granted; they would be at liberty to close earlier if they wished. In regard to hotel extensions, he said
the application would be granted on the full understanding that they had no
power to grant extensions for dancing on a Sunday.
Folkestone Gazette
15-2-1956
Annual Licensing Sessions
“Thirteen persons were proceeded against and
convicted for offences of drunkenness; three of these were charged with being
in charge of motor vehicles whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to such
extent as to be incapable of having proper control. This figure shows an
increase of four on 1954”.
So stated Supt. S.P. Large in his report at the
annual Folkestone Licensing Sessions last Wednesday. Supt. Large said the total number of
premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor was 127 (one for every
356 people). Licences
for the consumption of intoxicating liquor on or off premises included 84
publicans’ licences, eight beer houses, and four wines, sweets and cider. There were 15 shops where other goods were sold and
16 off licence premises where beer, wine and spirits were sold. These figures differed from 1954 in that the
Providence Inn was granted a full licence on March 9th, 1955, the
licence for the Testwood was renewed, and the licences in respect of the
Lismore Hotel and the Shorncliffe Station refreshment rooms were not renewed. On March 9th,
1955, a certificate under the Licensing Act of 1953 was issued in respect of
the Regency Restaurant. There
were 18 transfers in respect of licensed premises and one in respect of a music
and dancing licence.
The licence in respect of 19, George Lane was
removed to 100, Cheriton Road, and the Victoria Pier licence was removed to
the Beach Hotel. The total number of
registered clubs within the borough was 38. During the year, live new clubs
were registered, and one struck off after formal proceedings as having “ceased
to exist”. During
the year 37 occasional licences were granted and 1,400 extensions of hours. Of
these 163 were in respect of registered clubs. This compared with 45 occasional licences and
1,497 extensions of hours in 1954. There were 82 premises in the borough licensed
under the Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890. This shows an increase of two
over the figures for 1954; 28 of the licences were granted for the use of
wireless only. The
licence in respect of 24, Rendezvous Street, was again renewed. The premises
were still requisitioned by the Inland Revenue Authorities and were mot,
therefore, used for the purpose for which the licence was granted. There were
321 visits made by the police to licensed premises during the year under review, and in
addition other premises holding music and dancing licences were also visited. It was found that they were generally
well conducted. Suspended licences were: Alexandra Tavern, Beach Street, the
Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street, the Chequers, Seagate Street, the Pavilion Shades,
Tram Road, the Wonder Tavern, Beach Street, the Wellington, Beach Street, the
Swan, Dover Road, and 44, Guildhall Street. These premises, with the exception
of 44, Guildhall Street, were either destroyed or badly damaged during the war.
The Royal Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone Harbour, which was handed back to
Frederick Hotels by a Government Department in December, 1954, had not been
re-opened.
The Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands), commenting upon
the report, said he considered it revealed a very favourable state of affairs.
The Bench were grateful to the licensees for the way they had conducted their houses. He noted that there was a
slight increase in drunkenness, but, considering the many thousands of visitors
who came to the town in the summer, it was not very serious. There had
been a tremendous change as compared with past periods. He happened to come
across the figures for 53 years ago, when, during the 12 months, 78 males and
22 females were charged with drunkenness and 90 were convicted. The
summertime extensions from 10-10.30 would commence on, April 23rd,
and would be in operation until October 6th, Sundays being excluded. All the licences were renewed.
Folkestone Gazette
14-3-1956
Local News
Extension of licensing hours for the Easter holiday were
granted at Folkestone Magistrates` Court yesterday as follows: Thursday, March
29th, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Easter Saturday, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.;
Easter Sunday, 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.; Easter Monday, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The justices refused part of the
application made by Mr. Norman Franks, on behalf of 75 licensees in the
borough, for an extension from 11.30 a.m. to 12 noon on Easter Sunday.
No police objection was raised to the applications.
Folkestone Herald
21-7-1956
Local News
There was police objection when an
application, on behalf of 75 Folkestone licensees, was made at Folkestone
Magistrates` Court on Tuesday, for extensions of permitted hours from 10 p.m.
to 10.30 p.m. on three Sundays in August.
Granting the application, which was for August
12th, 19th and 26th, the Chairman (Ald. W.
Hollands) said the justices considered there were special reasons applicable to
Folkestone.
Chief Inspector L.A. Hadlow said the police
view was that a series of Sundays could not be regarded as a special occasion,
and in the circumstances they had to oppose the application.
Extensions were also granted for the August
Bank Holiday from 10.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on August 3rd, 4th
and 6th, and from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, August 5th.
Mr. Norman Franks, making the application on
behalf of the licensees, said in regard to the three Sundays in August, the
magistrates would recollect that last year he made an application in June for
a similar extension on Sundays throughout the summer. The police objected and
the magistrates decided not
to grant the extension, although they did grant it for the Bank Holiday Sunday.
The fact that the licensees did not come before them at the beginning of the
summer and ask for all the Sundays showed regard and respect for what the
Justices had said the year before. “There is a great need for the extra half
hour on Sundays in the summer”, he stressed. “I have no doubt, however, that
the Chief Inspector will bring forward the same arguments that the
Superintendent put before you last year. In law a number of Sundays cannot be
regarded as a special occasion. I cannot say it is wrong, because it has been
held on more than one occasion that it is not a special occasion. The
discretion is with you at all times. It has always been said, and it has been
repeated in the Divisional Court, that discretion is with your Worships at all
times. You are the sole judges whether or not a particular application shall be
granted or not”. Mr. Franks stated that similar applications had been granted
at Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. “As far as I know”, he continued,
“although they have had the opportunity since June, the police have not
contested the decisions at Margate and Broadstairs, although they are in the
same county and the same police district”.
Folkestone Herald
3-11-1956
Local News
Because matches in the Folkestone Herald and
Gazette Darts League cannot be completed before 10 p.m. on Friday nights,
Folkestone justices on Tuesday granted half-an-hour’s extension to 12
Folkestone licensees.
The Chairman (Ald. W. Hollands)
said they had decided to grant the application as an experiment to see how the
arrangement worked.
Extensions were granted from 10
p.m. to 10.30 p.m. in respect of the Raglan, Princess Royal, the Globe, Fleur
de Lis and Star and Garter on November 2nd, 16th and 30th;
to the White Lion Hotel on November 2nd, 16th and 23rd;
to the Harvey Hotel on November 9th and 30th; to the
Royal Standard, Victoria Hotel, Shakespeare Hotel, Foresters Arms and London
and Paris on November 9th and 23rd.
Mr. Norman Franks, making the
application, said the darts league had been in operation for the past three
years and it had been found difficult to carry through the programme between 8
p.m. and 10 p.m. It was not possible, on a Friday, to get the competitors and
supporters together until between 8 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. As a result it was
extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to finish the games by 10 p.m.
so that the licensees could clear their houses in accordance with the proper
hours.
“The licensees
feel”, he continued, “that in order to facilitate competitions on these
particular nights and so enable them to comply with the law and close their
houses by the correct time, it is desirous that they should come to you and
ask for the extra half-hour. One can quite imagine there might be in your minds
an objection to this”, Mr. Franks told the Magistrates. “It is quite possible
that you would have people in these houses who are not competitors or even
supporters. Against that you grant, week by week, applications for extensions
of permitted hours for hotels for dances and other things. It is perfectly open to anyone going
in before closing time to take advantage of the extensions of hours”. Mr. Franks said the darts competition
was well known, well supported and well organised. If the application was granted
it would help regularise the position of licensees.
Mr. T.E. Moore, Secretary of the darts league and
Chairman of the Folkestone and District Licensed Victuallers` Association, told
the Justices that there were 12 houses in the town interested in the league,
which had been going for three years. Matches were timed for 8 p.m., or, at the
latest, 8.15 p.m. The number of registered players was a little over 400. Seven
pairs – 14 players – played in a match and if games went to three legs it was
impossible to complete a match by 10 p.m. He said the extensions would fill a
real public need. There were some small houses where it would not be possible
to restrict the extension to one bar. In such cases it would be inevitable that
anyone in the house would be able to take advantage of the extension.
The Chairman: I take it the competition will go on
for some time?
Mr. Moore: It will go on until March.
Is there any reason why games could not start
earlier? In the dark days of the year eight o`clock seems rather late. – We
never seem to be able to get the competitors assembled until that time. There
are times when games are started without the full team being present.
Inspector L.A. Hadlow said the police had no
observations to make.
Folkestone Herald
16-2-1957
Annual Licensing Sessions
Folkestone licensees are now permitted to keep their houses open until 10.30 p.m. on
weekdays throughout the year. The extra half-an-hour was granted to them by the
justices at Folkestone Brewster Sessions, on Wednesday
Mr. Norman Franks,
who made the application for the extension on behalf of all the licensees of
the town, said for many years the permitted hours had been eight, with closing
time at 10 p.m. In the summer it had been the custom of the justices, for some
years past, to grant an extension to 10.30 p.m. “It is
now suggested”, he continued, “that having regard to the special requirements
of the district, that the original order shall be varied so that there shall be
an opening period of 8½ hours a day, and a closing time of 10.30 p.m. all the
year round”. He said the Justices could take into consideration that an
alteration in hours would held the licensees in the conduct of their
businesses. The question of the changing habits of the public could also be
considered. He said it was laid down that the comfort and convenience of
licensees and their customers should be considered, especially where the
Justices thought an extension would prevent inconvenience and an undesirable
rush of patrons just before closing time, at 10 p.m. The application was being
made on the grounds that it would benefit the public – people living in the
town and visiting Folkestone at all times of the year. “The habits of the
public have changed in recent years”, said Mr. Franks. “They do not spend all
their evenings in public houses. There are very few people in public houses in
the early part of the evening. People now do come out a little later. They
spend the first part of the evening at home, and those who use hotels and
public houses come out for a while just before closing time”. He recalled he
had made applications for extensions for darts competitions, which took place
in the winter. The reason for the applications was that there was not time to
carry through the competition. Against the suggestion, it was obviously implied
that the people should start their darts matches earlier in the evening, but
that was not possible from many points of view. “People come home”, he went on,
“and instead of going straight out after they have been working, they like to
clean up and go out respectable - dress and have a meal. They do not get to the
place of competition until eight o’clock or just after. It is always very
difficult to get the teams started before 8 or 8.30 p.m”. Referring to the
number of hours, Mr. Franks said it may have occurred to the justices that the
number of hours should not remain at eight, because they would then have to cut
half-an-hour off somebody. There were different types of trade in the town.
Some houses did their trade in the first part of the morning, particularly in
the fishmarket area. There were certain classes of the community to be
considered. There were the people from the harbour, where the shift finished at
about 10 p.m. Railway workers in various parts of the town finished about the
same time. It would be helpful to the houses if they could cater for them. Mr.
Franks explained that many people went to the cinema at a set time and came out
at about 10 p.m. It was suggested that those people should be able, if they
wished, to take a drink on the way home. “The main industry of Folkestone is
accommodating and entertaining visitors”, he contended. “Great efforts had been
made in the past, and are still being made, to extend the season, and also to
attract conferences. The efforts are obviously succeeding because there is a
greater number of conferences coming to the town than ever before. Quite a
number of these conferences are not held in the summer. Some take place early
in the year, and others in the autumn. It is desirable that everything possible
should be done to make delegates as comfortable as possible, and to provide
them with all the amenities we can”. He said by granting the application the
Justices would be adding Folkestone to the increasing list of areas in Kent and
Sussex which already had 10.30 p.m. closing all the year round. They included
Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Deal, Ramsgate and Margate. Inland there was
another large area including Bromley, Maidstone and Sittingbourne, he
concluded.
Annual Licensing
Sessions
Congratulating Folkestone licensees on the way they had conducted
their premises during the past year, Ald. W. Hollands, Chairman, at Folkestone
Brewster Sessions on Wednesday, said the Justices, sensible of their
responsibilities, always gave consideration to individual needs and the
requirements of the town Thanking Supt. S.F. Large for his
report, the Chairman said it was not 100 per cent, as they would like, but it
was impossible to expect everybody to be perfect. “In spite of that, it is a
report on which we may congratulate ourselves”, he said, “particularly as far
as a town like Folkestone is concerned. At periods of the year our population
is trebled; something like 150,000 people are in this town at the peak holiday
period.” Referring to the able way the licensees had conducted their houses, he
said it was due to their efforts that
the Superintendent was able to produce such a satisfactory report.
Supt. S.F. Large, presenting his annual
report, said there were 118 premises in Folkestone licensed for the sale of
intoxicating liquor; one for every 383 persons. During the year the licences of
the Wonder Tavern and the Wellington were surrendered, and seven licences were
still held in suspense. There were 24 transfers in respect of licensed premises
during 1956. Referring to drunkenness, he said 14 persons had been proceeded
against and convicted. Of this number, eight were charged with being in charge
of motor vehicles. This figure was an increase of one on that for 1956. He said
three new clubs were registered during the year, bringing the total to 41.
During the period under review there were nine occasional licences granted and
2,580 extensions of hours, as compared with 37 occasional licences and 1,400
extensions of hours in 1955. During the year the police had made 375 visits to
licensed premises. It was found they were generally well conducted, but two
licensees were cautioned as to the conduct of their premises.
Folkestone Herald
25-5-1957
Local News
Although Inspector Gray submitted that it was not a
special occasion within the meaning of the Act, Folkestone Magistrates on
Tuesday granted local licensees half-an-hour`s extension on Sunday nights
during the month of July.
Mr. Norman Franks, representing the local Licensed
Victuallers` Association, said he was making an application which was in two
parts. He first asked that licenses for all the Folkestone houses, with the
exception of the Harbour Inn, should be extended as follows during the Whitsun
holiday period: Friday, June 7th, Saturday, June 8th, and
Whit-Monday, June 10th, from 10.30 p.m. until 11.30 p.m.; Whit
Sunday, June 9th, from 10 until 10.30 p.m. His further application was in respect of an extension of licences, until
10.30 p.m., for the four Sundays in July. Mr. Franks stated he
made an application last year, when the police superintendent objected, and
quoted a number of cases. He (Mr. Franks) then said it was a matter which could
be left to the discretion of the magistrates as to whether it could be termed a
special occasion or not. The magistrates said that if extensions for any
special period were applied for it would be given consideration. He was now
asking for the July extensions, because it was found to be an attraction and a
need last August, when extensions were granted, and in his submission, what was
good for August was good for July in Folkestone. “We are not asking for
extensions in June”, Mr. Franks said, “but in July we shall probably be coming
along asking for extensions in August. I think it is a suitable occasion when
you can exercise your discretion in the licensees` favour”.
Inspector Gray told the Magistrates
that he was not opposing the application for the Whitsuntide extensions.
The Magistrates granted Mr. Franks`s
application in full.
Folkestone Herald
15-2-1958
Annual Licensing Sessions
Many resorts of a comparable size might envy
Folkestone's record of sobriety, said the Chairman (Ald. N.O. Baker) after congratulating
Superintendent S.F. Large on his report at the town's Brewster Sessions on
Wednesday.
The Superintendent revealed that 22 persons were
proceeded against and convicted for offences of drunkenness during the previous
12 months, an increase of eight on 1956. He said the total number of premises licensed for
the sale of intoxicating liquor was 122 - one for every 371 persons, based on the
population for the 1951 census. Licences for consumption on or off the premises
comprised 82 publican’s licences, four beer houses and four wines, sweets and
cider. For consumption off the premises there were 16 beer, wine and spirits
licences, 15 shops where other goods were sold, and two cider off licences. The
Superintendent explained, ‘‘because these figures differ from 1956, the licence
for the Chequers, Seagate Street, which had been in suspense, was transferred
to the Beachcolme Hotel, Sandgate, and licences were granted in respect of 18,
Fleming Way, for off sales, and 140, Foord Road and 21a, Marshall Street for
cider off. The licence in respect of 44, Guildhall Street, medicated wines, was
taken out of suspense and renewed”. Superintendent Large said there were 17
transfers in respect of licensed premises during 1957. Dealing with the
question of drunkenness, he revealed that of 22 persons were proceeded against
and convicted for offences of drunkenness, nine were for 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. The
figure showed an increase of eight on 1956, he added. The total number of registered
clubs within the borough was 42. During the year three new clubs were
registered, and one struck off, after formal proceedings, as having ceased to
exist. The secretary of one club was cautioned for minor Irregularities. Superintendent
Large reported that during the year 13 occasional licences and 2,436 extensions
of hours were granted. Of these, 191 were in respect of registered clubs. The
figures compare with nine occasional licences and 2,580 extensions of hours in
1956. There were 79 premises in the borough licensed in respect of music and
dancing. The figures showed an increase of one over the figures for the
previous year, 28 of the licences being granted for the use of wireless only. During
the year under review, 343 visits were made by the police to licensed premises
and, in addition, other premises holding music and dancing licences were
visited. Proceedings were taken against one licensee, the case being dismissed
by the magistrates. “It was found that generally licensed premises were well
conducted”, he said. “The licences in respect of Alexandra Tavern, Bridge
Street; The Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street; The Pavilion Shades, Tram Road; The
Swan, Dover Road; and the Royal Pavilion Hotel are suspended. These premises were either destroyed or
badly damaged during the war. The Royal Pavilion Hotel, which was handed back
by a Government Department in December, 1954, has not yet been re-opened”.
The Chairman, expressing the justices' thanks to
the police, said it was a great pleasure for them to receive such an excellent
“stock-taking” of the position in Folkestone for the previous 12 months. “To
be able to present such a report in respect of a town the size of Folkestone is
a very great achievement and one that will be envied by other resorts its
size”, continued Ald. Baker. “No words of mine are necessary to remind you of
the very important work you are doing in maintaining the fair name of
Folkestone. We are grateful for all you do in this connection. Naturally, there
must be very close co-operation between the police and the licensed
victuallers. The report demonstrates to the full that the best of relations exist
between you”. Congratulating the licensed victuallers, the Chairman said he
knew they had contributed a great deal to the excellent report that the
Superintendent had found possible to make. It would not have been possible unless the
licensees had conducted their houses properly. “It reflects very great credit
on you all”, he went on. "The experience you have gained in the conduct of
your houses has made it possible for you to deal with what might be difficult
situations with tact and courtesy. We hope the good relations between the police and yourselves will be
maintained, because the public will benefit accordingly. I hope the ensuing
year will be prosperous for you all, and that when we meet again for the next
“stock-taking” it will equal or be better than at present”.
Announcing that all licences would be renewed, the
Chairman stated that the adjourned Licensing Meeting would be held on March 12th.
Folkestone Herald
29-3-1958
Local News
Folkestone licenses on Tuesday were granted half-hour
extensions on three nights over the Easter holiday – from 10.30 to 11 p.m. on
April 3rd and 5th, and 10 to 10.30 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Mr. Norman Franks, making the application, said that
licensees were not asking for additional hours on Easter Monday, otherwise the
application was the same as the previous year.
Folkestone Herald
14-6-1958
Local News
An application by Folkestone`s licensees at Folkestone
Magistrates` Court on Tuesday for half-an-hour`s extension from 10 p.m. to 10.30
p.m. on Sundays throughout July and August was opposed by the police. The
application, however, was granted, the Chairman (Ald. N.O. Baker) commenting
that it was a special season of the year.
The Justices also granted August Bank Holiday extensions
as follows: August 1st, 2nd and 4th, 10.30
p.m. to 11 p.m.; August 3rd, 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Mr. Norman Franks, who made the applications, said they
were similar to the previous year. The extra half-an-hour on Sundays was much
appreciated by visitors, residents and licensees.
Chief Inspector L.A. Hadlow, opposing the Sunday
extensions, recalled that the police had pointed out on previous occasions that
eight consecutive Sundays, without anything special happening, could not be
regarded as special occasions.
Folkestone Herald
14-2-1959
Local News
Soldiers who
drank too much had caused a good deal of trouble in Folkestone during the past
year, said Supt. S.F. Large, on Wednesday, when he presented his annual report
to the justices at the Brewster Sessions.
“Although only
four have actually been convicted for offences of drunkenness”, he explained,
“a number have been proceeded against for a variety of other offences, which I
am sure would not have arisen but for their condition”, he added. Nevertheless,
the Superintendent was able to report that there had been a decrease of nine in
the number proceeded against and convicted for drunkenness. Of the 13 convicted,
as compared with 22 in the previous year, two were charged with being in charge
of motor vehicles whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to such an
extent as to be incapable of having proper control. He told the Justices that
there were 121 premises licensed in the town for the sale of intoxicating
liquor – one for every 390 persons, based on the 1951 census
of population. In respect of on or off sales there were 81 publicans' licences,
four beer houses and four premises where wines, sweets and cider were sold. For
consumption off the premises there were 16 licences in respect of beer, wine
and spirits, 15 in respect of shops where other goods were sold and two for
cider. The figures differed from 1957 in that the licence for the Cocker Restaurant,
Sandgate Road, was not renewed. Mr. Large said there had been 18 transfers of
licensed premises during the year and the number of registered clubs was 40.
During the year one club was struck off after formal proceedings as having
ceased to exist, and one club was struck off after police proceedings. During
the period under review there were 31 occasional licences and 2,013 extensions
of hours, compared with 13 occasional licences and 2,436 extensions of hours in
1957. Of the 2,013 extensions, 176 were in respect of registered clubs. There
were 80 premises in the borough licensed for music and dancing, an increase of
one on the figures for 1957. Twenty-eight of the licences were granted for the
use of wireless only. The Superintendent reported that 325 visits were made by
the police to licensed premises and in addition other premises holding music
and dancing licences were also visited. It was found that they were generally
well conducted. Suspended licences in respect of premises either destroyed or
badly damaged during the war included the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street; the
Wheatsheaf, Bridge Street; the Pavilion Shades, Tram Road; and the Swan, Dover Road.
The Royal Pavilion Hotel, which was held by a Government department until
December, 1954, had not been re-opened and the licence was in suspense.
The Chairman, Ald. N.O. Baker,
complimenting the Superintendent on his report, said the Justices wished to
thank Mr. Large and his officers for making such a favourable report possible.
The Chairman told the licensees that the Superintendent could not have given
such an acceptable report but for their co-operation, which was deeply
appreciated. “We know perfectly well”, he continued, “that a small number of
convictions for drunkenness is inevitable in a town of this size, particularly
in view of the fact that we have a big influx of visitors at the peak of the
season. You never know who is going to cross the threshold of your premises. We
realise that in keeping the number of cases of drunkenness down you are doing
your best. We hope the ensuing year will add to the long record of your good
service. Folkestone has a good name and but for your services that would not be
possible”.
The Chairman
announced that all licences would be renewed.
Dates of transfer sessions were fixed as follows: March 11th, April 22nd,
May 27th, July 8th, August 19th, September 30th,
November 11th and December 30th.
The adjourned
annual licensing meeting will be held on March 11th.
Editorial
There is no
more difficult trade, hedged around as it is with restrictions and regulations,
than the licensed trade, and in these days of changing habits and of television
it is an anxious trade too, for many licensees find that with decreasing trade,
consequent upon fewer customers, it is not easy to make ends meet. All the more
credit to the trade as a whole in Folkestone, therefore, that one again the
Magistrates at the annual Brewster Sessions on Wednesday were able to
congratulate them upon the manner in which they had conducted their businesses
and their houses during the past year. The number of convictions for
drunkenness showed a decrease of nine, but in recent years the figure has been
so small as to be almost negligible. There were 13 people who had so many “over
the eight” that they were brought before the Bench, a very small number
compared with a population of 40,000 and an additional influx in the summer
season. No doubt there were others whom the police, with the discretion for
which they are well known, saw on their way, for in these days a man so
sufficiently intoxicated as to be charged with drunkenness, whether disorderly,
or incapable, has to be rally drunk, a nuisance to himself or others. There is
no doubt that changing conditions, greater sense of responsibility, higher
cost, and new forms of entertainment and recreation have so drastically reduced
drunkenness that it has all but disappeared.
The public
house today is not the hard-drinking den of a century ago; it is a social meeting
place with an agreeable friendliness about it, more often than not warm,
well-appointed and comfortable. Brewers and landlords have realised and are
realising that their customers require reasonable standards of service and
comfort, hence the very considerable schemes of rebuilding, adaptation and
modernising of many licensed premises. The decrepit “pub” is a rarity these
days, indeed the term “public house”, with its institutional suggestion, has
become a misnomer. Most public houses are in fact social clubs at which people
gather together under congenial conditions, discuss their own and the world`s
affairs, and enjoy good company. Television is undoubtedly a powerful
competitor of the licensed trade, as it is of the theatre and cinema, but many
houses have now installed television sets and have thus to some extent brought
the enemy within the camp.
The one
disquieting feature of the proceedings at the Brewster Sessions was the
reference by the police Superintendent to the nuisance caused by young soldiers
who drink too much. There has been considerable feeling in at least one part of
the town over the behaviour of some of the young soldiers stationed in the
area, most of the miscreants being members of a regiment no longer at
Shorncliffe Camp. In general, soldiers from units at the Camp are well behaved,
decent young fellows, but inevitably there are among so many there are a few
who, once they have had a few drinks, seem to lose all sense of responsibility
and are guilty of behaviour disgraceful to themselves and to their uniform. It
would be utterly wrong to presume that these men are representative of the
general body of troops in the district; they are not, but they cause far more trouble and draw more undesirable criticism of their units than
all the rest of the soldiers put together. There is, and long has been, the happiest
association between Camp and Town; we hope that nothing these foolish, irresponsible
young men may do in the future will cause any deterioration of that
relationship. Exemplary punishment by both magistrates and military authorities,
coupled with adequate military patrols, has stamped out a good deal of the
trouble, and caused the troublemakers to think again.
Folkestone Herald
6-6-1959
Local News
Half-an –hour`s
extension, from 10 to 10.30 p.m. on every Sunday in July and August, and
half-an-hour’s extension on Friday, July 31st, Saturday, August 1st,
and Monday, August 3rd, from 10.30 to 11 p.m., for the August Bank
Holiday period were granted to Folkestone licensees on Tuesday.
Mr. Norman Franks,
making the application at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court, said the extensions
were granted last year.
Chief Inspector L.A.
Hadlow said the police raised no objection; no difficulties were experienced
last year.
“In view of our past
experience in this matter, we propose to grant the extensions”, said the
Chairman (Ald. N.O. Baker).
Folkestone Herald
12-12-1959
Local News
Folkestone Magistrates
on Tuesday granted extensions of hours over Christmas to local licensees as
follows : December 24th
to 11 p.m., 26th to 11 p.m., 27th to 10.30 p.m., and 31st
to 12.15 a.m.
Mr. Norman Franks made the application
on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association.
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