A Model Public-Housa

Manawatu Herald, 8 July 1899, Page 2

A Model Public-Housa

Just off busy Bishopsgate, London, in a small and somewhat " slummy " street, there stands a public-house, remarkable for the fact that in it you are allowed to have only one drink — and no smoke. The proprietor of this quaint hostelry, obviously a worthy citizen, seeing that he himself invented, so to speak, this original way of doing business, has been in the occupation of the house some 20 odd years. Thither go all sorts and conditions of men, from the silk-hatted city man to the railway porter, warehousemen, or mere messenger. All have just their one drink, and go out. Nor is it possible to trick the proprietor by ordering, say a bottle, ana calling it " one drink." No, this one drink means a certain measure of beer, wine or spirits and that a very moderate one. On the wall of the one bar, wherein all and sundry are served alike, hang the printed rules of the establishment in a frame. They set forth how that the proprietor deeming that he may conduct his business as he may think best, and having at heart the cause of temperance, begs to call attention, etc., etc. Then follow in numbered order the several rules. Say that one drink each desire to " repeat the dose," you must, before you can possibly do so, go away, and stop away, for at least 30 or 40 minutes. Then and then only can you " have another." As already stated, no smoking is allowed, pne result of this strictly enforced rule is that the atmosphere of the bar is wonderfully clear and fresh. Of course, no person will be served should he appear to be ever so slightly under the influence of alcohol. The result is perfect order and a subdued quiet. The hours of closing, too, differ from those of other houses "in the trade." Eleven o'clock sharp sees the house shut on five nights of the week. On Saturday the hour is twelve, and on Sundays ten. To this house the Chief Rabbi grants his special permit every Pentecost to sell " Kosher " rum ' to those of the Jewish community of the neighbourhood. Of course, over and above the regular customers, many people are attracted to this inn out of pure curiosity. The sightseeing and novel-hunting American finds it out in his rambles. Should the curiositymonger, however, try to coax the manserver behind the bar into a breach of their stern laws, he is courteously refused. They are never caught napping, try them ever so often. . You must play the game or nothing. In fact, the list of carefully complied rules concludes with an intimation that such customers as do not care to conform thereto are " respectfully requested to transfer their custom to some other establishment."