- Ale Houses Act 1551
The Ale Houses Act 1551 (5 & 6 Edw. VI c. 25; long title "An act for Keepers of Ale-houses to be bound by Recognisances"), sometimes the Licensing Act 1551, was an
Act of Parliament of theParliament of England passed in 1552. It was passed to control the "abuses and disorders as are had and used in common ale-houses", and laid the foundation of modernlicensing law . It provided that theJustices of the Peace were given power within their jurisdiction to stop the common selling of ale and beer in common ale-houses and tippling-houses, where they felt it to be appropriate and convenient. No-one was to be permitted to keep an ale-house without being so licensed by the Justices atQuarter Sessions , and the Justices were to take bond andsurety of the keepers of common ale-houses and tippling-houses. This surety was to prevent the playing of unlawful games as well as for the maintenance of public order. Common selling of ale in booths at afair by any person was permitted, however, "for the relief of the King's subjects that shall repair to the same", notwithstanding the rest of the Act.References
*Tanner, J. R. "Tudor Constitutional Documents, AD 1485-1603". Cambridge University Press, 1951. p. 500.
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