Poem ~ Public Houses Opening Hours - Saturday, 5 September 1914

Now marking another 100 year anniversary,

Began a milestone of a 'temporary' public law;

A centenary of controlling public drinking.

In consultation with the Commissioner of Police,

The military authorities and licensing justice,

Came the decision to begin, after Monday next,

Public houses within the metropolitan area,

In two days’ time, shall close each night at 11pm.

This is likely to last until the end of the current war.

The reason given for change being public expediency.

A representative from Daily Telegraph being informed,

That licensed houses beyond the city are, at present,

Not affected – although there is power in each district

At their discretion, to vary opening times, if this should

Prove necessary - nightclubs are not yet affected,

Having their very own, particular legislation.

The drinking trade has reacted with mixed feelings.

With many declaring little difference will be made,

As they are having virtually no business at present,

While other traders are declaring ‘another injustice.’

At the Clerkenwell Sessions House meeting,

For Licensing Justices for London, the Chairman

Mr Wallace in chairing the meeting, looked upon

A resolution approving the decision – and declares

The need ‘for the maintenance of order and the

Suppression of drunkenness.’

Sir Edward Henry, Commissioner of Police,

Referred to a letter from the General Office

Commanding the London district, highlighting,

‘Serious difficulties with which the military authorities

Are at present faced, owing to the late hours,

To which the numerous public-house are kept open.’

Sir Henry added, many reservists and young soldiers

Are treated to plentiful drink by civilians – the result,

‘A disproportionate amount of drunkenness.’

These restrictions, say Robert Wallace, are due to the

Departing trains, with nearly all the men aboard drunk.

Thus the resolution was finally approved.

by Jamie Mann

Anon., 1914. London Public-Houses - Eleven O’clock Closing. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 5 Sept. p.7. Col.4. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11068567/Daily-Telegraph-September-5-1914.html [Accessed: 5th September 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 5 September 2014). 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11068567/Daily-Telegraph-September-5-1914.html

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