From the Whitstable Times, 22 October, 1870.

SAYER v. JUSTICES OF MARGATE.

This was an appeal, supported by Mr. Ormerod and opposed by Mr. F. J. Smith, against a decision of the magistrates of Margate, whereby they refused to grant Mr. Robert Sayer, builder, a license for a newly-erected house in the neighbourhood of St. Peter’s road.

Mr. Ormerod stated that applicant was in every way fitted to carry on a public house, and the building in question was in every way calculated to afford accommodation to the public which they did not now enjoy from the miserable little house in the locality known as the “Hare and Hounds.” He called several witnesses, including Mr. T. W. Willett and Mr. Crickett, to state what they knew about the applicant’s qualifications for keeping a public-house, and their evidence was in every respect in favour of Mr. Sayer.

Mr. Smith alleged in support of the magistrates’ decision that the applicant was not in a position to keep a public-house, and he called witnesses, amongst them Superintendent Compton and Sergeant Shelvey, to state that Mr. Sayer had been known to get inebriated, and that his financial position was not any too favourable.

The Court confirmed the magistrate’s decision, and dismissed the appeal.