Folkestone Express 23 August 1879.

Annual Licensing Session.

Application For New License:

Wednesday, August 20th: Before W. Bateman Esq., Aldermen Caister and Hoad, Captain Crowe, M. Bell, W.J. Jeffreason, and J. Clark Esqs.

Mr. Minter applied on behalf of Mr. T.W. Cobb for an ale and spirit license for a house in course of erection by Mr. T.W. Cobb in the Canterbury Road. He urged that there were a number of houses being built in the locality, of many of which Mr. Cobb is the owner or lessee, and the house for which he applied for a license is at the corner of a new road recently laid out. There was, Mr. Minter said, a great want of a licensed house there, and as there were many more houses to be erected the want would become greater. He put in a plan showing the buildings.

Mr. Mowll, who opposed on behalf of Mr. Langton and others, asked if the existing public houses were marked upon it, to which Alderman Caister replied that he did not think they were.

Mr. Minter said the only public houses near were the Wheatsheaf and the Three Bells (sic), and these were not in the immediate neighbourhood of the house for which he was asking for a license, nor were they of a character to afford the accommodation which was required.

Mr. Cobb was called, and said he was the owner of a large quantity of land in the neighbourhood, on which there were about 70 houses built opposite to the house for which they were applying for a license. There were 110 plots altogether, and only ten remained unsold. The house for which he asked for a license would be completed in a month. The plans had been approved by the Corporation, it had cost a thousand pounds, and would be of the annual value of fifty pounds. It would have a public bar and club rooms.

In cross-examination by Mr. Mowll, witness said he carried on several businesses already. The Wheatsheaf was a long distance off – not in sight; and the Railway Bell also. The Royal standard he did not know, and the Two Bells was not near. He had a memorial, but did not think it was of a great weight. He intended to occupy the premises himself and carry on the business, but not to reside in the house. One of his men would conduct the business.

Mr. Mowll urged that it was against the practice of the Bench to grant a license to an applicant who was not personally intending to hold it, or when it was not shown there was an actual want of accommodation, which there certainly was not in that case.

The Bench retired to consider the application, and on their return the chairman announced that they had decided to refuse the application.

Mr. Cobb then applied for a license to sell off the premises, which was granted.

Folkestone Express 27 August 1881.

Annual Licensing Day.

Wednesday, August 24th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, W. Bateman, A.m. Watkin, J. Boykett and J. Clark Esqs.

Thomas Henry Parks applied for an indoor license for the Alexandra Tavern, New Bridge Street. Mr. Minter supported the application. The rent was said to be £30 a year.

Mr. Mowll opposed on behalf of the owner of the Wheatsheaf, and said there were four houses in the immediate neighbourhood.

Application refused.

Folkestone Express 30 September 1882.

Adjourned Licensing Meeting.

Application For New Licence.

Wednesday, September 27th: Before W. Bateman, F. Boykett, J. Clark and J. Holden Esqs., and Alderman Caister.

Thomas Harvey Parks, owner and occupier of the Alexandra Tavern, New Bridge Street, applied for a full license. Mr. Ward supported the application. He said the premises were very commodious and suitable for the business, and also put in a memorial in favour of it.

Mr. Mowll, who opposed, said there were half a dozen other licensed houses in the neighbourhood.

The Chairman said the Bench were unanimously of opinion that there were already too many licenses, and it was only under very exceptional circumstances that they would be inclined to grant another. The application would be refused.

Folkestone Express 10 July 1886.

Quarter Sessions.

Friday, July 9th: Before B. Forbes Moss Esq.

William Linnell, George Walker, and Frederick William Lawrence were indicted for stealing two asses, two carts, two sets of harness, a collar and a bridle, to the value of £14, the property of Thomas Parks, of Folkestone. Walker and Lawrence pleaded Guilty. Linnell, who appeared to be incapable of understanding the charge, said he did not drive the donkeys. He admitted that he stood by when the donkeys were put into the carts.

Superintendent Taylor stated that the prisoner Linnell had been convicted in 1880 of vagrancy. Lawrence had been convicted and received six strokes with a birch rod. Linnell was sent to a Reformatory at Birkenhead, and since his release he had been four times since convicted for various offences, but not for larceny.

Linnell was sentenced to four months' hard labour; Lawrence to 14 days' imprisonment, and at the expiration of that to five years in a reformatory. Walker, against whom there was no previous conviction, was sentenced to one month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 10 April 1897.

Saturday, April 3rd: Before The Mayor, General Gwyn, and W. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

The off licence of the Alexandra Tavern was temporarily transferred from Henry Parks to George Floyd.

Folkestone Express 14 September 1901.

Wednesday, September 11th: Before T.J. Vaughan, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs., Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Mrs. Marsh, widow of John Marsh, was granted a transfer of the licence of the Alexandra, Bridge Street.

Folkestone Express 30 May 1903.

Wednesday, May 27th: Before Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonels Westropp, Fynmore and Hamilton, G.I. Swoffer, W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

The following transfer was granted: The Alexandra Tavern to Alfred Chittenden.

Folkestone Express 3 October 1903.

Saturday, September 26th: Before W.G. Herbert and J. Stainer Esqs.

On the application of Mr. G.W. Haines (solicitor), the licence of the Alexandra Tavern was temporarily transferred from Henry Chittenden to Thomas William Mercer.

Mr. Haines intimated to the Bench that though this was the second application within twelve months and that it was against the regulations of the Act, the Magistrates had discretionary powers to grant it provided they were satisfied. The wife of the present holder of the licence had, unfortunately, contracted an illness, which made it necessary for her to leave the premises as soon as possible, and under the circumstances he hoped the Bench would grant the application.

The Chairman said they were willing to grant a temporary authority, but pointed out that it would be subject to the Bench confirming the transfer at the proper time.

Folkestone Express 17 October 1903.

Wednesday, October 14th: Before Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, G.I. Swoffer and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: - The Alexandra Tavern, from Henry Chittenden to Thomas William Mercer.

Folkestone Express 15 April 1905.

Wednesday, April 12th: Before Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and W.C. Carpenter Esq.

The Bench considered several applications for the transfer of licences, and granted the following: The Alexandra Tavern from Mr. J.W. Mercer to Mr. J. Fordred.

Folkestone Express 8 December 1906.

Wednesday, December 5th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Colonels Hamilton and Fynmore, J. Stainer, C.J. Pursey, T. Ames, and R.J. Linton Esqs., and Major Leggett.

The following licence was transferred: The Alexandra Tavern, from Mr. J. Fordred to Mr. Marsh.

Note: This is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 15 December 1906.

Saturday, December 8th: Before The Mayor, Major Leggett, and J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames Esqs.

James Fordred, the holder of the Alexandra Tavern off licence, was summoned for selling beer in an unsealed vessel to a child named James Baker, who was under 14 years of age. Defendant, in answer to the charge, said he knew nothing about it.

The Chief Constable explained that the licence had been transferred from the defendant since the date of the offence.

P.C. Minter said at 8.30 in the evening of the 30th November he was near the Alexandra Tavern, where he saw a little boy carrying a bottle in his arms. The cork was loosely put in. The bottle contained one pint of porter. Witness asked the boy his name, when he commenced to cry. He then took him to the Alexandra Tavern, where he saw defendant and also his wife. Witness asked them if they thought the child was old enough to be served with a pint of intoxicating liquor in a bottle not properly corked and sealed. Mrs. Fordred replied “No”, and also said she had served the boy in her husband's absence. She was very sorry, but being busy she forgot to seal it. She was to blame. Witness told defendant he should report him. He made no reply.

Defendant persisted in saying that he knew nothing about the offence.

The Mayor said defendant was responsible for the actions of his wife, and he would be fined 10s. and 9s. costs, or 14 days'.

Defendant said he had got no money and was taken below.

Susan Baker was summoned for sending her son, John Baker, to fetch one pint of porter in an unsealed vessel. Defendant did not appear.

The Chief Constable said they saw the condition of the bottle produced, and he had proceeded against defendant. He had since learned that she was a cripple, and had been so for some considerable time. Her husband was away on board one of the colliers, and she had written him (the Chief Constable) a letter. If the Bench agreed after seeing the letter, he would ask for the case to be withdrawn.

The Bench agreed, and hoped it would be made generally known it was an offence to send a child under fourteen for beer in an unsealed bottle.

The Chief Constable said there was one point that was not generally known – that the sending of a child under fourteen for any quantity under an imperial pint was an offence. He hoped the Act would be strictly enforced in the town.

Folkestone Express 26 January 1907.

Wednesday, January 23rd: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Hamilton, Major Leggett, and W.C. Carpenter, W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: The Alexandra Tavern, from James Fordred to John Marsh.

Folkestone Express 9 February 1907.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 6th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, C.J. Pursey and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

The Chief Constable read his report as follows:

Chief Constable's Office, Folkestone, 6th February, 1907.

Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 128 places licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.:- Full licences, 80; beer “on”, 9; beer “off”, 6; beer and spirit dealers, 14; grocers, 12; chemists, 4; confectioners, 3; total 128. This gives an average, according to the census of 1901, of one licence to every 239 persons, or one “on” licence to every 344 persons. This is a reduction of 8 licences as compared with the return presented to you last year, as the renewal of 3 “off” licences was not applied for at the last annual licensing meeting, and at the adjourned licensing meeting the renewal of one full licence was refused on the ground that the premises had been ill-conducted, and four other full licences were referred to the Compensation Committee for East Kent on the ground of redundancy. These four licences were subsequently refused by the Compensation Committee, and after payment of compensation, the premises were closed on 31st December last. Since the last annual licensing meeting 22 of the licences have been transferred, viz:- Full licences, 15; beer “on”, 5; off licences, 2; total 22. During the year three occasional licences have been granted by the justices for the sale of intoxicating liquors on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and thirty extensions of the ordinary time of closing have been granted to licence holders when balls, dinners, etc., were being held on their premises. During the year ended 31st December last, 131 persons (106 males and 25 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness. 114 were convicted and 17 discharged. This, it is most satisfactory to find, is a decrease of no less than 52 persons proceeded against as compared with the preceding year, when 164 were convicted and 19 discharged. Six of the licence holders have been proceeded against, and five of them convicted, for the following offences: Selling adulterated whiskey, 1; permitting drunkenness, 1; delivering beer to a child in unsealed vessels, 2; supplying drink to a constable when on duty, 1; total, 5. In the latter case notice of appeal against the conviction has been given by the licensee. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquor is sold are registered in accordance with the Act of 1902. There are 16 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard playing. I offer no objection to the renewal of any of the present licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally having been conducted during the past year in a satisfactory manner, but on one occasion one of the licence holders was cautioned (as the evidence was insufficient to justify a prosecution) for receiving slips and money relating to betting, which practice he immediately discontinued, bit I desire to intimate to all the licence holders that if in future any such practice is allowed, or any illegal gaming whatever is permitted on their premises, I shall take such steps as may be necessary to detect and prosecute the offenders. I beg to submit a plan showing the situation of all “on” licensed premises within the congested area, which I have marked on the plan, and would respectfully suggest that the Committee again avail themselves of the powers given by the Licensing Act, 1904, and refer the renewal of some of the licences within this area to the Compensation Committee to deal with under the Act. Within this area there are 920 houses, with a population approximately of 4,600, with 37 “on” licensed houses and 8 other licences, giving a proportion of one licence to every 20 houses or every 102 persons, and one “on” licence to every 24 houses or every 124 persons. This number of licences I consider excessive for the requirements of the neighbourhood. I have received notices from eight persons of their intention to apply at these sessions for the following new licences, viz.,:- Full licence 1; beer off 1; cider and sweets off 1; wine off 3; music, etc., 2; total 8.

I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeve, Chief Constable.

The Chairman said the report seemed to be highly satisfactory. The Magistrates were very pleased to see the diminution in the number of cases of drunkenness brought before the Bench. One point about the report he wanted to make a remark upon, and that was the prevalence of gaming in public houses. In several houses the Committee visited they saw automatic machines, in which customers placed pennies and pulled a trigger. Occasionally they got something out for their pennies. That was gaming. It had been decided to be illegal, and they warned all licence holders that they would be watched, and that the machines would not be allowed, and proceedings would be taken against the offending publicans, whose licences would be jeopardised next year. There was one other point of a similar nature with regard to musical instruments, which were reported to be a great nuisance. They warned all licence holders to be careful not to create a nuisance with those pianos and other instruments, which were now very common indeed in public houses.

The following houses were ordered to be opposed as not required: The Channel Inn, High Street; the Queen's Head, Beach Street; the Railway Tavern (sic), Beach Street; the Chequers, Seagate Street; and the Perseverance, Dover Street.

Adjourned: The Black Bull Hotel, the Alexandra Tavern, the Imperial Hotel, Black Bull Road, and the Railway Hotel, Coollinge.

Folkestone Express 9 March 1907.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

The adjourned licensing sessions were held on Monday at the Police Court, when the principal business to be considered was whether or not the five licences should be referred to the East Kent Licensing Committee for compensation. The Licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., while other justices present were Major Leggett, Mr. G. Boyd, and Mr. J. Stainer.

Alexandra Tavern.

The licence of the Alexandra Tavern was renewed, the Chief Constable explaining that the licence was withheld at the annual meeting owing to a conviction having been recorded against the previous tenant. He had, however, no objection to make to the renewal.

Folkestone Express 11 October 1930.

Wednesday 8th October: Before Alderman R.G. Wood, Miss A.M. Hunt, Mr. F. Seager, Mr. G.I. Swoffer, and Mr. W. Smith.

Richard Horace Marsh applied for the transfer of the licence of the Alexandra Tavern, Bridge Street, held by John Marsh, now deceased.

The Magistrates' Clerk said it was quite a small house.

Applicant said he had a wife, who would be living there, and would manage it. He would be carrying on his work of omnibus driver.

The application was granted.