IRISH-IN-UK-L Archives

From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: [Irish-in-UK] Publicans and Public Houses
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:57:34 -0700

SNIPPET: Houses selling alcohol for consumption on the premises first
appeared in Irish towns during the medieval period. Merchants sold wine in
their cellars, while women made and sold ale in their homes. The town
authorities regulated the price and quality of the drink sold, but it was
not until the 16th century that central government began to license
retailers. Ireland's first major Licensing Act, which empowered magistrates
to license alehouse keepers, was passed in 1635 and an act of 1665 extended
these provisions to retailers of wine and spirits as well.

But unlicensed selling undoubtedly continued on a large scale and increased
during the course of the 18th century. It is probably no coincidence that
the Irish word 'shebeen' entered the English language in the late 18th
century. Effective government control of public houses was not really
possible until the 1830s when a national police force was created.
Licensing Acts passed between the 1830s and 1870s gave the Irish
constabulary wide-ranging powers to suppress shebeens, regulate the hours of
licensed premises, and control drinking at outdoor gatherings.

By the early years of the 20th century the publican was a powerful and
respected figure in Ireland, while his house was the focus of community
life. Publicans, as independent small businessmen, dominated local
government in many areas and were vital sources of credit for farmers.
Public houses not only sold drink, but groceries as well, and they were
major meeting and socializing centres, especially for men, in both town and
country.

-- Elizabeth MALCOLM, Professor of Irish Studies, University of Melbourne,
"The Oxford Companion To Irish History," (2002) ed. S. J. CONNOLLY

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• [Irish-in-UK] Publicans and Public Houses by "Jean R." <>