Catalogue description Home Office: Liquor Entry Books

Home Office concern with the sale of alcoholic liquor began with the Licensing Act 1872, under which it became responsible for prescribing the forms of licence which were issued under the authority of local magistrates and police. The work was performed by the Domestic Department. Under the Inebriates Acts 1879 to 1900, which provided for retreats for the reform of habitual drunkards to be licensed by local authorities, powers of inspection and of making and changing rules of management were given to the Home Secretary. The work of the inspector of retreats was performed initially by the Burial Grounds Inspectorate, but a separate inspector for the Inebriates Acts was appointed in 1899, and the office continued until 1950. The licensing laws and the Secretary of State's supervisory powers over their operation were strengthened by further acts in 1902 and 1904, and in the latter year work concerning them was transferred to the Aliens Division. The licensing laws were consolidated in the Licensing Act 1953.