From the Dover Express, 26 March 1859.

Infringement of a public house licence.

John Higgins, the landlord of the "Blue Anchor" public house, Commercial Quay, was summoned on the information of police sergeant John Scutt for infringing the terms of his licence on Sunday the 13th inst.

Scutt stated that on the day in question, about 9:45 in the morning, he visited the house kept by the defendant, accompanied by police constable Terry. On going into the tap-room he saw four men and one woman there. Pots and glasses were on the table, and one of the men was in the act of drinking as witness entered the room. He (Scutt) asked the landlord what he was about, when he replied, "Why, it isn't 10 o'clock yet." Witness observed that he was not allowed to draw at all on Sunday morning; and told him that he must report him.

The Mayor asked if the defendant had been warned previous to this occurrence?

The sergeant replied that defendant have before being summoned and convicted for a similar offence.

In defence Higgins said that two of the men were his lodgers. He complained that the police evinced partiality in their Sunday morning visits to public houses, and that, whilst his house was entered other houses were passed over.

The Bench said that the statement of the defendant was not sufficient answer to the charge, and fined him, this being his second offence, 10s., and the costs 11s., which he paid.