From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 6 February, 1914.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LICENSING SESSIONS.

FIVE LICENSES “HELD UP.”

The Annual Brewster Sessions for the Borough of Tunbridge Wells were held at the Town Hall on Monday morning, the Mayor (Councillor C. W. Emson) presiding over a large attendance of the Justices.

The Magistrates had decided to renew all the licenses, with the exception of the "Anchor," Camden-road; the "Rifleman," Kensington-street; the "Good Intent," St. John’s-road; the "Standard," Little Mount Sion; and the "Alma," Varney -street. The licensee of these houses would be considered at the adjourned annual licensing meeting a month hence.

From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 6 March, 1914.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LICENSING SESSIONS.

Mr. Cripps applied for the license of the "Good Intent." St. John's-road, to be renewed.

P. Sergt. Walters stated that the drinking accommodation at the house consisted of a bar, a smoking room, and a jug and bottle department. The witness proceeded to give particulars of the other licensed houses in the neighbourhood, and in reply to a question from Mr. G. Langridge, stated that the population in the neighbourhood was rapidly increasing.

Mr. Cripps told the Bench there was a touch of pathos about this case. The license of the house had been held since 1872 by Mrs. Wood or her husband, so that it had been in their hands for 42 years. Mrs. Wood and her late husband were together probably the oldest licensees in Tunbridge Wells. There had not been a change in the licence since 1903, when Mr. Wood died, and the widow took the house on. The trade in 1911 was 124 1/2 barrels; in 1912, 125 1/2 barrels; and in 1913 123 1/2 barrels. It was very unusual for the trade of a beerhouse to show so very little variation, and the reason was that there had never been any attempt to push the trade. Mrs. Wood had been able to earn a living at the house, but not to save money. She was 73 years of age, and had been living with her mother, who was 93. A daughter of 33 managed the home. If the license were taken away, the two old people would be thrown out on the world without a penny because, as their worships knew, very little of the compensation money went to a yearly tenant. He knew it might be said that their worships had nothing to do with sentiment, but he did appeal to them on behalf of these people. The Bench's action in dealing with these houses was in the interests of public order, sobriety and morality. Were they going to do any good in closing this decent little house, which had been carried on for 42 years without any attempt to push the trade?

The Bench postponed their decision.

After retiring for about 15 minutes, the chairman announced that the licence of the "Rifleman" would be referred to quarter sessions, and all other licences would be renewed. Mr. Wardley then applied for a provisional licence for the "Rifleman," which was granted.