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Thanet Advertiser, Friday 5 February 1937.
Sober Ramsgate. An example to Kent.
A substantial decrease in the number of persons proceed against for
drunkenness during the year was recorded in the report of the chief
constable (Mr. S. F. Butler) presented at the annual licensing sessions
for the borough of Ramsgate this morning.
The number of licensed premises in the town is 134, of which 98 are ale
houses, two beer and wine "on," twelve beer "on," two wine "on," eight
beer "off" and twelve shopkeepers "off," whilst there are 23 registered
clubs, 51 premises licence for music, singing and dancing and two for
billiards.
According to the 1931 census the population of the town is 34,422,
giving an average of 257 inhabitants to each licence.
The report stated that, excluding the general extensions during Easter,
Whitsun, Christmas and August holidays, 200 extensions of time were
granted for licensed premises for the sale of intoxicating liquor and
178 for music and dancing. In respect of the clubs, there was 79
extensions for the sale of liquor and 48 for music and dancing.
During the last year 24 licences were transferred and since the last
meeting no proceedings had had been taken against licence holder.
Ramsgate compares very favourably with other towns and cities in the
matter of drunkenness. Proceedings were taken against 15 males,10 of whom
were non-residents, and of these 11 were convicted and four dismissed.
The figures show a decrease of six over the number of persons proceeded
against last year, when the figure was 21. In 1934 proceedings were
taken in 14 cases.
With regard to other towns, there was an increase in the number of
persons proceeded against of 27 at Gravesend, of 41 at Southend and of
16 at Dover and there was a decrease of 10 at Margate and 11 at
Hastings. Rochester, with 14 cases, was the only borough or city in Kent
where the number of proceedings was less than at Ramsgate.
No Complaints.
The Chief Constable's report concluded with the words:- "I have no
complaint as to the manner in which licensed premises have been
conducted during the year."
The magistrates present at the opening of the court were Col. E. E.
Ogier, chairman, Dr. B. H. Palmer, Dr. R. J. Archibald, Alderman Mrs. F.
L. Dunn, Mr. H. C. Norman, Capt. H. E. Rock, Mr. H. J. Perry, Mrs. E. K.
Fassam, Mr. C. P. Huntley and Mr. C. P. Hartley and Mr. C. J. Fells.
Commenting on the Chief Constable's report , Col. Ogier said the bench
were very pleased with the report which he had been able to give them as
regards the year's working
The bench was pleased to find that the number of cases of drunkenness
had decreased to 15 - against 21 during 1935 - of which 10 were
non-residents
"The bench have been pretty free in granting extensions of the permitted
hours and it is good to know that our action has not been abused," said
the chairman.
Col. Ogier said the bench was glad to be able again to congratulate the
licensees on the way they had conducted their houses. They also
congratulated the police on their supervision. "The town may consider
itself signally fortunate on the happy state of things existing.
Compared with other towns, Ramsgate shows up exceedingly well," he said.
All renewed.
All existing liquor licences were renewed.
Last year, said the chairman, owing to the safety-first regulations come
off the bench instructed the Borough Surveyor, the Sanitary Inspector
and the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade to inspect premises for music
and dancing. In those cases the licences would also be renewed, subject
to the necessary alterations having been carried out, with the exception
of "Sanger's Hotel" and the "Lawn Cafe," which were held over until the
next meeting in order that the justices could inspect the premise.
The date for the adjourned licensing meeting was fixed for Friday, 5th
March, and transfer days as follow:- 22nd March, 3rd May, 14th June,
26th July, 6th September, 18th October, 29th November and 10th January,
1938.
Mr. J. H. Robinson made application on behalf of the "Truro Court Hotel"
for the grant of the restaurant certificate to enable the licensee to
sell liquor with meals for an extra hour and also free yearly music and
dancing licence for the premise.
The application was granted.
Mr. T. Hoppit's application on behalf of Mr. F. J. Alexander for the
grant of a music and dancing licence in respect of the "Palace Theatre"
was also granted.
St. Augustine's Hotel.
Applying on behalf of Sir William Lacon Threlford for a restaurant
licence in respect of the "Bay View Hotel," Mr. C. C. Maughan said the
applicant would like the name changed to "St. Augustine's hotel." The
application was granted.
The application by Mr. S. T. Jordan for a music licence in respect of
the "Rising Sun" was held over to the adjourned sessions.
Two Licences Exchange For One.
Mr. Monier Williams, who made application on behalf of Mr. A. R.
Benefield for the removal of the licence of the "General Joffre," 72
King Street, to the site of St. Paul's school, King Street said the
application was part of the policy of Messrs. Tompson and Wotton to
modernise and bring all their premises up to date.
The "General Joffre" was extremely out of date and it was found to be
impossible to affect the improvement, or even rebuilding on the present
site.
If the removal were granted Messrs. Tompson and Wotton proposed to
surrender the licence of the "Duchess of Kent," another small, out of
date house also in King Street on the same side as the "General
Joffre,"
as soon as they could find another house for the present tenant.
Opposition was forwarded by Mr. C. Doughty, junr. on behalf of the
licence of the "Earl St, Vincent," and by Councillor R. G. Lovatt, of
100 King Street, as a private residence.
Announcing the decision of the bench after listening to the evidence
Col. Ogier said they were unanimous in granting the application, subject
to the surrender of the licence of the "Duchess of Kent" in due course.
Applicants were given twelve months to complete the building.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12
February, 1937. Price 1½d.
WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS
The County Petty Sessions were held at Wingham on Thursday, before
Viscount Haywarden, Capt. D. C. L. Speed, Messrs. J. E. Monings, W. G.
Chandler and A. J. Lilliott, Mrs. Plumptre and Miss Tower.
BREWSTER SESSIONS
At the annual licensing sessions, Supt. Webb (Wingham) reported that in
his district there were 49 ale houses, 25 beer "on", 5 beer "off", and three
grocers licenses, an average of one licence to 282 persons. No licensee had
been proceeded against and the houses generally had been well conducted
throughout the year. One male residient was convicted for drunkenness,
making a total of eleven convictions during the passing years.
Supt. Wheatley of Augustine's Section, Wingham Division reported that all
the houses in the district had been well conducted throughout the year.
there were 15 ale, 5 beer "on", and 2 beer "off", an average of one licence
to 205.69 persons. There were no convictions for drunkenness and there had
only been two convictions during the last five years.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12
February, 1937.
ANNUAL LICENSING SESSIONS
The general Annual Licensing Sessions for the Borough and Liberties of
Dover were held at the Town Hall on Monday, before the Mayor (Alderman G. M.
Norman), Dr. C. Wood, Messrs. W. B. Brett, H. E. Russell, W. G. Palmer, G.
D. Clark, W. J. Barnes, R. J. Barwick, W. L. Law, C. W. Chitty, and C. E.
Beaufoy, Mrs. Binge and Miss Elnor.
Chief Constable's Report
LICENSED HOUSES
There are now 154 licensed premises in the Borough. The population of the
Borough according to the last census figure, is 41,281, and this represents
one licensed house to every 268 inhabitants.
The following tables shows the number of licensed premises compared with
the previous year:-
|
1936 |
1937 |
Fully licensed houses |
127 |
126 |
Beer houses |
5 |
5 |
Wine, Sweets, etc. licences |
3 |
3 |
"Off" licences |
20 |
20 |
|
155 |
154 |
At the Annual General Licensing Meeting on the 3rd February, 1936,
the "Greyhound" Inn, Union
Row, was referred to the Compensation Authority on the grounds of
redundancy. The house was closed on the 31st December, 1936.
During the year 1936, 31 licences, involving 30 houses were
transferred, the licence of the Royal Hippodrome being transferred twice
during the year. One new Excise Licence was issued during the year in
respect of 74, High Street, Dover, authorising the sale off the premises
of wine and spirit under section III, Licensing (Consolidation) Act,
1910. This Excise Licence does not require a licence from the Justices.
566 visits were paid by the Police to licensed houses during the
year. No licensee has been proceeded against for any offence against the
Intoxicating Liquor Laws, but 13 licenses were cautioned for
irregularities under the Licensing Laws, e.g., allowing persons to
remain on the premises behind locked doors during non-permitted hours,
allowing children under 14 years of age to be in saloon bars during
permitted hours; betting and gambling on licensed premises, and allowing
music to be played on a Sunday.
I am pleased to observe that the owners are taking steps to improve
their houses, both from the point of view of better supervision by the
licensee and better accommodation for the public using the houses. Six
plans for structural alterations were approved by the Justices during
the year, as compared with two the previous year.
CLUBS
There are now 19 registered clubs in the Borough with a total
membership of 7631.
Two Clubs, The Cosworth Manor Bridge and Tennis Club, Folkestone
Road, Dover, and Jarvies Residential Club, Liverpool Street, Dover, were
struck off the Register following proceedings for not being conducted in
good faith. The proprietors of the clubs were convicted for the illegal
sales of intoxicating liquor, and 18 other persons employed at or
resorting to the clubs were also proceeded against.
The Kearsney Bowling Club, The Pavilion, London Road, Kearsney, was
registered on the 1st May, 1936.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF EXEMPTION.
809 Special Orders of Exemption were granted by the Justices during
the year, as compared with 880 during 1935, and of the number granted
during the year, 254 were in connection with Eastertide and 381 with
Christmastide and the New Year festivities. 51 applications were granted
in respect of Registered Clubs. 25 Occasion Licences were granted by the
Justices during the year.
PUBLIC MUSIC, SINGING AND DANCING LICENCES.
Licences for Public Music, Singing and Dancing are in operation as
follows:-
Licensed premises --- 36
Public Halls ------------ 32
DRUNKENNESS
There have been 27 cases of drunkenness during the year, committed by
26 males and 1 female, one male being a methylated spirits drinker, 11
were residents (including one female) 13 non-residents and 3 soldiers,
two of whom were hauled over to the Military Authorities to be dealt
with.
Proceedings for drunkenness during 1936 have been as follows:-
Patrons proceeded
Against |
Convicted |
Dismissed |
M. F. |
M. F. |
M. F. |
26 1 |
18 1 |
8 0 |
During the past five years proceedings for drunkenness have been as
follows:-
|
Total |
Males |
Females |
1932 |
11 |
10 |
1 |
1933 |
12 |
11 |
1 |
1934 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
1936 |
12 |
12 |
0 |
1936 |
27 |
26 |
1 |
In addition, two men were charged with being in charge of motor
vehicles and being under the influence of drink to such an extent as to
be incapable of having proper control of the vehicles.
One man was convicted and fined £30 and his motor driving licence was
suspended for 12 months, whilst the case against the other man was
dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, on payment of costs.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS
I respectfully as the Licensing Justices to consider the question of
the structural suitability of many of the Licensed Houses in the
Borough. The provision of adequate and suitable lavatory accommodation
is neglected in a large number of houses. In some cases only one w.c. is
provided for the landlord, his family and both sexes of customers. In
many cases urinals and w.c.'s are in unlit back-yards in such positions
as to make supervision by the licensee impossible.
The living accommodation at certain houses could be materially
improved, and it is not infrequent that the living rooms are used by
customers.
I also suggest, that wherever possible, the licensee should have a
private entrance. I respectfully suggest that consideration of the
renewal of the under mentioned licences be adjourned in order to submit
plans for the improvement of their houses:- "Bowling
Green Tavern," 41 Hartley Street; "Castle"
Inn, Dolphin Lane; "Crown," 1
Military Road; "Fountain," 238,
London Road; "Grapes," Maison Dieu
Road; "Green Dragon," 16, Strond
Street; "Green Man," Erith Street; "Robin
Hood," Townwall Street; "Star,"
20-22 Church Street; "Sussex Arms," 32
Townwall Street.
LICENSING RETURNS FOR THE CITIES AND BOROUGHS OF KENT.
|
Pop. |
L.H. |
Persons to each |
Proceedings |
Per 1000 pop. |
Maidstone |
44877 |
141 |
318 |
16 |
0.35 |
Margate |
40307 |
182 |
221 |
17 |
0.42 |
Rochester |
32377 |
96 |
337 |
14 |
0.43 |
Folkestone |
46170 |
126 |
366 |
21 |
0.45 |
Ramsgate |
34422 |
134 |
257 |
15 |
0.47 |
T. Wells |
35839 |
114 |
314 |
20 |
0.55 |
Dover |
41281 |
154 |
268 |
27 |
0.65 |
Canterbury |
25109 |
126 |
199 |
17 |
0.67 |
Gravesend |
37670 |
118 |
319 |
55 |
1.40 |
|
388052 |
1191 |
283 |
200 |
0.59 |
The Mayor congratulated the licensees on the way in which they had
conducted their premises during the last twelve months. There had not
been one single offence against the licensing law, which was very
creditable, and when they had looked at the return they could not say
that the police had been slack, because they had paid 566 visits to
licensed houses, which proved that the licensees had conducted their
houses in a most satisfactory manner. There were 27 cases of
drunkenness, but out of those only eleven were residents and that was
not to say that they got drunk on the licensees premises. They knew that
some of them were out for a day and returned in that state. If the
licensees conducted their houses in the forthcoming year as they had
done in the past he thought it would be a credit to the town. The Mayor
added that the ten licenses referred to in the Chief Constable's report
would be renewed, but they would want plans by the transfer session in
April. They were sure the brewers wanted to do all they could do to
bring their houses up-to-date.
The Magistrates' Clerk said that in the case of those mentioned by
the Chief Constable, plans should be submitted for consideration at the
transfer sessions on April 9th, and directly they were approved the
justices expected the brewers to take the necessary steps to carry out
the work. The work had got to be done this year otherwise they ran the
risk of having their licences opposed at the next Brewster sessions.
No Extension of Hours.
Mr. Rutley Mowll applied on behalf of the licensed victuallers for an
extra half-hour all the year round. They had already had an extra
half-hour during the summer time for some yeas and as they heard from
the Chief Constable's report there had been no abuse of the privilege.
There was such a rush when they had to close at 10 o'clock and he asked
whether, if only as an experiment, they would grant the extension all
the year round. This was a very exceptional year and he though they
might grant it as an experiment.
The Rev. S. G. Tweed, Minister of Salem Church, said he opposed the
application on behalf of the Dover Free Church Council and the Dover
temperance Union. He had nothing at all to say against the conduct of
the public houses during the past year and had there been no application
for an alteration to the present state of affairs he would have said
nothing at all. But, as the application had been made, he was applying
that the closing time should be 10 o'clock all the year round. They
strongly objected to the closing hour being altered to 10.30 all the
year round especially on the plea that had been put forward that this
was a special year. He would remind them that the year had been opened
with a call to return to religion. There had been a feeling that the
need of the country was a strengthening of the moral position of the
country and a return to higher life, and he suggested that the extending
of hours of licensed premises was not going to help in that direction.
They accepted the present summer time as a compromise, but would prefer
the closing time to be 10 o'clock all the year round.
The Magistrate's Clerk stated that he had received a memorial signed
by 146 residents of Broadstairs and St. Peters apposing the application
as unnecessary and not in the best interests of the town.
The Rev. W. Lomax McKensie supported the memorial.
Mr. W. G. Jenner, Chairman of the Dover Licensed Victuallers'
Association, stated that the application was made more or less on behalf
of the shift workers who started work at 2 p.m. and did not finish until
10 p.m.
The Magistrates refused the application for an extra half-hour all
the year round, but granted it for summer time, as in the past.
Charles Leslie Tomlin, 12, Effingham Crescent, Dover, club steward,
applied for a licence authorising him to keep a room, lately occupied by
the Metropole Billiards Club, Cannon Street, Dover, for public billiards
playing.
This was granted.
Plans for alteration to the "Prince
Alfred" Inn, East cliff and the "Rose" Inn, Broadstairs,
(re-building) wee approved.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 19
February, 1937.
BREWSTER SESSIONS
Supt. Isaacs, in his report on the licensed houses in the district,
stated that there was one licence to 218.5 inhabitants. There had been no
proceedings against any licensee, and there had been only one case of
drunkenness during the past six years, and that in 1930.
The Chairman complimented all concerned, and said that the licences would
be renewed.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 30
April, 1937.
MR. A. C. LENEY'S WORK FOR DOVER
A SUGGESTION
(To the Editor of the Dover Express)
Sir,- The resignation of the Chairmanship of the Dover Victoria Hospital
came as a great surprise - with feelings of sincere regret - to many of the
townspeople; and in their hearts was the natural hope that the cause of the
resignation was not one of ill-health. If any man in Dover deserves well of
his town Alfred Leney does; and the Council would be well advised to offer
him the Freedom of the Borough, for the inhabitants - one and all - would
approve him such an honour being bestowed upon him.
AN OLD COMMITTEE MEMBER.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 7
May, 1937. Price 1½d.
EXTENDED LICENSING HOURS
At the Dover Police Court on Friday before the Mayor (Alderman G. M.
Norman), Messrs. S. J. Living, W. B. Brett, W. L. Law, C. W. Chitty, W. J.
Barnes, W. Bradley, and H. E. Russell, Col. J. A. Purefoy-Robinson, Dr. C.
Wood, Mrs. Binge, and Miss P. Elnor.
Mr. P. A. G. Aldington applied on behalf of 101 licensees, members opf
the Dover and District Licensed Victuallers Association, for extensions of
hours on Coronation Day. Mr. Aldington said he was asking for the hours,
10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. On the occasion of his late
Majesty's Jubilee, the Magistrates granted the applications free of charge
to the licensees, and he asked them to do the same on this occasion.
Supt. Webb said he had no objection as far as the application related to
Ringwould. A similar application had been granted in connection with other
houses in the rural district, except that the period of closing would be
2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Chief Inspector Scutt said there was no objection as regards the Borough.
The Bench granted the application free of charge.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 14
May, 1937.
ACCOMMODATION FOR HOP PICKERS
The Minister of Health has issued revised model bye-laws for securing the
decent lodging and accommodation of hop-pickers. These bye-laws, which will
also apply to fruit and vegetable pickers, are based on practical experience
in the working of the existing bye-laws, and have been agreed so far as
practicable with representatives of local authorities and hop growers.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 30
July, 1937.
DRUNK IN CHARGE OF HORSE AND CART
At the Dover Police Court on Wednesday before Messrs. C. E. Beaufoy and
H. E. Russell and Miss Elnor.
Jack Moore, Union Road Farm, Union Road, dealer, was charged with being
drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart in Ladywell. on July 27th.
Defendant pleaded guilty.
The Chief Constable said that at 2.45 p.m. the previous day P.C. Brooker
was in Park Street walking towards Ladywell, when he saw a horse and cart
facing High Street on the near side of the road. It was across the
Corporation Yard and obstructing traffic coming out there. Defendant was at
the rear holding out some greenstuff to a purchaser. The Constable told
defendant he was causing an obstruction. As defendant walked from the back
to the front of the cart he staggered and nearly fell, and was unable to
lift his foot up to the step on the cart. His speech was thick and
unintelligible.
Defendant said he had had three glasses of ale, and that was all.
The Chief Constable said that defendant had four previous convictions for
being drunk in charge of a cart, the last being in June, 1936, when he was
fined £1. He was also convicted of being drunk and incapable in 1923.
Fined £1.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3
September, 1937. Price 1½d.
"SAFETY FIRST" FOR KENT HOP-PICKERS
The hop-pickers season is now in full swing all over Kent. As in
previous years, the Automobile Association, at the request of the Kent
Council of Social Services, and acting in collaboration with the Police and
Highways Authorities, is assisting the cause of road safety by the erection
of special signs worded "Hop-pickers' Camp." Over 300 of these signs are now
in position, and motorists are thus given adequate warning where pickers or
their children are likely to emerge suddenly into the highway. This "safety
first" measure introduced by the Automobile Association has achieved a
considerable decrease in the number of accidents to workers and their
children, many of whom travel by road from London to the hop-picking
centres. For the safety and convenience of motorists, additional A.A.
patrols have been allocated for duty at all important road junctions, and
special routes recommended by the A.A. for avoiding congestion on roads in
the effected areas, may be obtained from the Automobile Association, Fannum
House, new Coventry Street, London, W.1. or from the A.A. County Office at
maidstone.
Above showing a group of Dover hop-pickers, taken in the fields of
Garrington Farm, near Bekesbourne, on Tuesday. They left Dover on Monday.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 24
September, 1937.
DRUNK IN BIGGIN STREET
At the Dover Police Court on Saturday, before Messrs. W. Bradley and W.
L. Law.
Privates Donald Brander (24) and John Stuart (22), 2nd Bn. Seaforth
Highlanders, Castle Barracks, Dover, were charged with being drunk and
incapable in Biggin Street, on September 17th.
They pleaded guilty.
The Chief Constable stated that at 9.50 p.m. on Friday, P.C. Brooker was
on duty at the Worthington St. point when he saw defendants in Biggin
Street. One of them fell down and the other fell over him. The Constable
went to them and found they were drunk and incapable and could not get up.
They were taken to the Police Station and charged.
Fined 5s. each.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 24
September, 1937.
DRUNK AT THE POLICE STATION
At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. W. Bradley, W. S.
Lee, C. E. Beaufoy and A. C. Leney and Dr. C. Wood.
William Weir, 47, of 19, Castle Avenue, Dover, ship's fireman, was
charged with being drunk and incapable at the Police Station, on Sunday,
September 19th.
Defendant pleaded guilty.
Inspector Saddleton said that at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, Sgt. Roberts was in
the Police Station when defendant came in and asked incoherent questions. He
was drunk, and would have fallen if it had not been for the Sergeant.
Defendant said he was out of work. He had a wife and five children.
Inspector Saddleton said that in Septemeber, 1930, defendant was before
the Court on a similar charge.
Fined 2s. 6d.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 12
November, 1937.
SECOND TIME DRUNK IN EIGHT DAYS
At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. W. B. Brett, G.
Golding, and R. J. Barwick and Mrs. Binge.
Thomas Jones, of 5, Northway, Betteshanger, pleaded guilty to being drunk
and incapable in Queen Street, Dover, on November 8th.
The Chief Constable said that on the previous Monday defendant was fined
5s. for being drunk and disorderly on Saturday, October 30th. He did not pay
the fine until that morning.
Defendant was fined 10s. and given a week in which to pay.
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From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 31 December 1937. Price 1½d.
WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS.
The County Petty Sessions were held at Sandwich on Thursday last week,
before Messrs. C. J. Burgess, H. W. Plumptre, W.G. Cgandler and O. S.
Hogbin.
NEW YEAR'S EXTENSIONS.
Mr. Girling (Canterbury) applied, on behalf of 53 Licensed Victuallers
in the Wingham area, for an extension on New Year's Eve from 10 p.m. to
10.30 p.m. He said that a similar application had been made successfully
in other districts.
This was granted.
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