Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 25 August 1883.

Adulterated Whisky.

John Wall, of Minster, was summoned for selling whisky which was not of the nature, substance, and quality demanded, on the 23rd July.

Mr. Wotton appeared on behalf of the defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

I.C. Harman K.C.C. deposed to go into defendants house, "Prospect Inn," Minster, and to purchasing a pint of whisky there which he handed to the superintendent.

Superintendent Kewell said he divided the whiskey into three parts; one he gave to the defendant's wife, the second he sent to the analyst at Maidstone, and the third he now produced.

The analysts stated that the whisky contain nearly 14 degrees more water than was allowed by law.

After a few remarks from Mr. Wotton the defendant was called, and said he purchased the whisky from Messrs. Watts of Sandwich, who told him that it was proof. Acting upon that statement his wife added a quart of water to every gallon of whisky, which would bring it down to the prescribed limit.

Superintendent Kewell said he had taken 30 or 40 samples of spirits, most of them supplied by Messrs Watts, and this was the first case of adulteration.

The defendant was fined 10s. and 10s. costs, which he paid.

Thanet Advertiser, Saturday 14 September 1889.

Offence by a Publican.

At Ramsgate Petty Sessions on Monday, before J. T. Friend Esq., in the chair, Baron Walter Stratford, landlord of the "Prospect Inn," Minster, was summoned for selling liquor during prohibited hours on Sunday August 25th.

Defendant, for whom Mr. E. Wotton appeared, pleaded guilty.

P.C. Ford a constable of the K.C.C., stationed at Broadstairs, deposed that on the day named he proceeded to the "Prospect Inn," arriving there on a tricycle and in plain clothes at about 11 a.m. He was accompanied by P.C. Newman. Upon alighting he saying five men drinking in the house, who evidently belonged to the locality. He entered into conversation with them, and during the time they remained in the house some 30 minutes at least 20 persons came in, and no questions were asked as to whether they were travellers before serving them with drink. The customers were served by the landlady, the defendant being outside keeping watch.

Mr. Wotton in defence submitted that the majority of those persons who passed the "Prospect Inn" were undoubtedly bonafide travellers, and although it was the duty of publican to ask every customer the question whether they were travellers or not, it was not always done. His client had only been a licensed victualler for 8 months, and expressed sorrow for the offence, promising to be more careful in future. That being so, he hoped the Bench would inflict as low a penalty as possible.

The Chairman said the Bench considered it was a very bad case. Defendant would not be fined heavily, but the licence would be endorsed. He would have to pay £2 and 9s. 10d costs.

A DEAR DRINK.

At the Ramsgate Petty Sessions on Monday, George Horn, William George Horn, Henry Anthony Thomas and Thomas Fowls were summoned for being found upon the licensed premises of the "Prospect Inn," Minster, kept by Baron Walter Stratford, during prohibited hours on August 25th.

With the exception of Collard, defendants pleaded guilty.

P.C. Ford stated that at 11:15 on the day named (Sunday) he was at the "Prospect Inn," Minster, when he saw the defendant's come in and purchase ale, for which they paid. He took their names and told them he should report them. Peak then gave the name of "William Wood" but afterwards gave the correct name and address.

Peak said he generally went in the name of "William Wood."

Defendants were each fined 1s. and 8s. 6d. costs.

The case of Collard was then taken and similar evidence having been given, defendant urge that he had been sent for by the landlord, with whom he had done business, or he should not have been there.

He was fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

Thanet Advertiser, Friday 4 February 1938.

New Prospect Open at Minster.

On Tuesday evening the "New Prospect Inn" at Mount Pleasant, Minster, open its doors for the first time.

Ramsgate County Magistrates, at their general annual licensing sessions in the morning, granted a final order confirming the provisional order for the removal of the licence from the old to the new premises.

Application for the final order was made by Mr. J. H. Robinson, who said that the building had been completed in accordance with the plans except for improved toilet accommodation.

Mr. W. E. F. Balcombe, holder of the licence of the old "Prospect Inn," gave evidence in support of Mr. Robinson's remarks.

The bench agree to the transfer of the licence to Mr. Alfred Victor Aldridge.

Superintendent web, who offered no objection, said Mr. Aldridge had been manager of the "Captain Digby," Kingsgate, from May, 1930 to September, 1937, and he has conducted that house and a satisfactory manner.

The application was granted, the chairman (Mr. W. Booth Reeve) adding "I hope you will be successful in your new undertaking.