As Time Goes By – Ramsgate Brewster

At the Ramsgate Brewster sessions, held at the town hall in September 1895, the licensing justices received the annual licensing report for 1894 to 1895 from the Ramsgate Chief Constable, Roderick Ross. It was an excellent account of just how many pubs there were in the town 130 years ago.

The annual report covered those premises that sold alcohol consumed on the premises and alcohol sold to be consumed off the premises. In total, there were 153 licensed premises, of which, 119 were either beer or ale houses. Off licenses accounted for 25 premises. The report stated there was a ratio of one licensed premise to 161 Ramsgate residents. This did not take account of visitor numbers to the town.

Further into the report the newly formed Ramsgate Marina Pier and Lift Company applied for a licence for the promenade pier, and during July and August of that year it had received 47,907 visitors through the turnstiles. The application was granted.

Another licensing request was from the Hovelling Boat Inn in York Street that applied for a morning licence. After careful consideration the licence was granted monthly to Messrs Howard, Friend and Darby.

In the report convictions for drunkenness had increased over the past year with 64 males convicted and seven females convicted. An overall increase on the previous year by 15.

Chief Constable Ross ended the report to the licensing justices stating that overall business at the public houses had been well conducted. This was accepted by the justices with thanks.

Written by:
Councillor Tony Ovenden,
Councillor for Sir Moses Montefiore Ward