From the Kent and Sussex Courier, Friday 5 September 1879.

Application for a Wine License.

Mr. G. D. Warner, solicitor of Tonbridge, applied on behalf of Mr. Milton John Read, of the "New Inn" beerhouse. St. John’s Hill, Sevenoaks, for a licence to enable him to sell on or off the premises. He said that the house was of a very superior character, and his client wished for the extension to enable him to supply the wants of his customers. He knew that there was a strong feeling on the part of the Bench not to increase the number of licenses, but this would not, he submitted, be done by granting his application, to which there was no opposition.

Mr. H. Saunders proved the posting of the usual notices on the house, together with the parish church and St. John's Church.

Mr. Reed, the applicant, was called, and said that he had held the house for four years, and paid a rental of £20 a year.

Supt. Okill said that the applicant had conducted the house very well.

The Chairman said that they were perfectly satisfied as to the respectability of the applicant, but they were also satisfied that the requirements of the locality were not such as to warrant the application being granted, and the license for wine, to be consumed on the premises, would, therefore, be refused. With respect to the application for an out-door wine license, they should adjourn their decision on that point.