Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 8 October 1898.

Dartford. Publican loses his licence through drunkenness.

A sensation was created by the decision of the licensing justice's at Dartford, last week, in an application for a renewal of his licence by Francis John Ford, landlord of the "Railway Hotel," Sidcup, one of the largest and most commodious hotels on the South Eastern line.

The Justices since the regular annual licensing day had a notice of objection served on the applicant, on the grounds that he had been convicted of drunkenness at the Greenwich Police Court last February.

Mr. Ford, in addition to being landlord of the hotel, was also a traveller for the Deptford Distillery, and the hotel in Sidcup was carried on by his wife and daughters. It was admitted by the police that the house was conducted in a a most respectable manner.

Mr Lawless, barrister, stated that Mr. Ford had been to a birthday party on the occasion which formed the subject of the objection, and had unfortunately, taken more drink then was good for him. He urged that the offence under the circumstances should not entail the very serious penalty of fortitude of his licence. Mr. Ford expressed his very great regret for what had taken place, and there were present several of the most respectable inhabitants of Sidcup, who would, if necessary, speak to the excellent character of the house.

The Chairman of the Bench (Mr. Thomas Bevan) said the court felt that a man who had a licence should be above reproach as a sober man, and they would not be doing their duty if they renewed the licence. Mr. Ford has been in the house about a year and a half, and has the lease for 10 years.

The effect of the decision, it is considered, and entails a loss upon him of something like £10,000.

Mr. Ford has since lodged an appeal against the magistrates' decision. In the district much sympathy is expressed for Mr. Ford, who is very popular.