Important to Publicans

at the Doncaster West Riding Police Court on Saturday, Lord Auckland presiding, Charles Long, landlord of the Star Inn, Conisbrough, was summoned for permitted drunkenness on January 16, and George Curtis, brick maker, Conisbrough, was summoned for having been drunk on the premises.

Mr Hall of Wakefield appeared for the landlord, who pleaded not guilty, and Curtis acknowledged his guilt.

On behalf of the publican it was contended that the man did enter the house in a drunken state, and that he called for a glass of rum, which was not given him, a bottle of soda water been tended instead. This it was said was given with a view of sobering him, and Mr Hall contended that it was no offence for a landlord to serve soda water to a drunken man.

On the other hand, it was swore by the sergeant that it was gin and not soda water which was placed before the man.

Lord Auckland said he had always held that the meaning of the section of the Act of Parliament concerning that case was that a publican should not harbour a drunken man even for one moment upon his premises. If he did, it was at his own risk and peril. It was the duty of the landlord, not only to refuse to serve such a man, but immediately to expel him.

The landlord was fined 20 shillings and 16s 6d costs (not endorsed on the licence), and Curtis had to pay 17s 6d, including costs.