As far as I can recall Licensing Laws were introduced in response to the Gin Epidemic of the 18th century when by 1740 there was more gin being produced than beer. Legislation was more successful than a tax on gin producers because it restricted its sale to licensed only premises. Janet ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ray Hennessy" <ray7033@googlemail.com> > Interesting coincidence on different lists. > > Both Gavin and I said that licensing wasn't around > at the date of the original query [1841]. However > on an Irish List Dennis Ahern has been copying > the Assize records for County Cork in 1822. > > On the list of sentences is a relevant charge: > > "Timothy TOOMY, passing with unlicensed spirits, to be > imprisoned one month, and pay a fine of 10 [pounds]." > > As Ireland was subject to London's laws at the time, > maybe there actually were licensing laws in operation > in Britain then. > > Not an important point but interesting. Do you know, Janet? > > -- > Best wishes > > Ray