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Application by John James for licence for 39 Great Darkgate Street

Source: Aberystwyth Observer 28/08/1886       Date: 1886
Copyright:       Type: Newspaper
Description:

Transcript:
Mr Smith applied, on behalf of Mr John James, for a license to sell beer and spirits to be consumed off the premises known as 39, Great Darkgate-street. He pointed out that the requirements of the A ct had been complied with, and that the house was in every way fitted for carrying on such a business. Mr Evan Evans (Messrs Roberts, Son and Evans) opposed the application, so far as beer and porter were concerned. He had nothing to say against the granting of a spirit licence, as he believed the bench had no power to refuse it only under certain circum- stances which did not apply in the present case, two essential conditions being that the applicant must be of good character, and the house suitable for carrying on such busi- ness. He submitted that Mr Smith had failed to make out a case, because if they took into considera- tion the neighbourhood for which they were supposed to supply a need there was no need for further facilities for the sale of beer. It appeared to him that there was already an ample number of public- houses, and especially so in that part of the town - near the town clock, where there were several well- conducted hotels and public-houses. He had no desire to take up the time of their worships, who knew the position of the town and its requirements, but he urged that no case had been made out that there was any demand for further facilities for the sale of drink, and for that reason he asked them to refuse that part of the licence referring to beer and stout. Mr Smith replied, and urged that as their worships would have to grant a spirit licence there was no reason for withholding it for beer and stout. Visitors coming into the town late on Saturday evenings ob- jected going to hotels or low public-houses, and such a house as this would supply the necessities of these people. The Mayor said that he would be glad if Mr Smith would point out where the low public-houses were, because in the report received nothing had been said about low public-houses. Mr Smith said he would withdraw that part of his argument, but many people had an objection to go to public-houses,whether they were low or otherwise. The bench then considered the matter, and The Mayor said the bench had come to the unanimous conclusion to refuse the beer portion of the license, one member having made the remark that there was ample accommodation for the requirements of Aberystwyth. The other portion of the licence, as a matter of course, would be granted, simply because the committee had no power to refuse it (laughter). Mr Smith asked their worships for the reason for their refusal, as under the Act of 1872 they must give it, if asked. Mr Peter Jones said that perhaps Mr Smith would give that portion of the Act, as he read it that the magistrates had power to refuse on any ground. Mr Smith said that the Act of 1872 provided that good and sufficient reasons must be given. The bench refused to accede to Mr Smith's request.
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Linked to
London and Provincial Stores , 32 and 34 Terrace Road , Aberystwyth