From the Whitstable Times, 10 May, 1902.

PERMITTING DRUNKENNESS ON LICENSED PREMISES.

Luke Harding, landlord of the “Holly Bush,” Tanner Street, was summoned for allowing drunkenness on his licensed premises on the 7th inst.

Mr. A. A. Jolly appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty.

Sergt. Gaunt stated that at 9.40 p.m., on the date mentioned he visited defendant’s house and in the public bar saw a woman named Amelia Lee. She was drunk and staggering about the bar in conversation with a man she appeared to be in company with. They were having some beer in a vessel on the counter. In another room marked private behind the bar he saw a woman named Emily Hills. She was drunk and singing with four young men. She had a glass in front of her containing liquor. Defendant was present in the room at the time. Witness left the house and visited it again at 10.30 the same evening with P.C. Buss, when the women were still in the house. He left the house, and again visited it at 10.45 p.m. There was a woman in charge of the bar, and he asked her if he could see the landlord. On witness pointing to the woman Lee, said “Do you see the condition of this woman. She is drunk.” He made no reply at first, but afterwards said he had not served her with drink that evening. Witness then called his attention to the woman Hills, and told him he considered she was drunk. Defendant said he did not think so. Witness advised him to get the women off the premises, and he replied “How can I, they are lodgers.” Witness told him he must endeavour to do so, and left the house. Shortly afterwards, while standing outside, defendant came out and said “these women have now gone to bed Sergeant. I forbid them any more drink before you came into the house the first time.” Witness said “Why did you take that precaution,” and defendant said because ha thought they had had enough to drink.

P.C. Buss corroborated.

Superintendent Crowhurst stated that the women were drunk when he visited the house at 9 45 pm.

Mr. Jolly submitted that defendant had no knowledge as to the condition of these women.

Defendant, on oath, stated that the women came into the house about a quarter to ten. Mr. Lee asked for a pint of beer on trust, but he refused to give it to her. He was sure the woman were sober and denied that they were staggering about. The woman Hills only had half a pint of beer. He did not see any drunkenness in the bar.

Alice Barratt, barmaid at the “Holly Bush,” stated that the women were not the worse for drink, and they walked off quietly to bed.

A charge of being drunk on licensed premises against the woman Emily Hills was then heard. The evidence was similar to that in the previous case.

The Bench imposed a fine of £5 and costs 13s. in the first case, and fined the woman Hills 5s. and costs 11s., or seven days’ hard labour. The licence was not endorsed.