Rules and Regulations for Inn-Keepers, c. 1820

Abstract

Rules and Regulations for Inn-Keepers, District of Niagara, Province of Upper Canada. The document is printed and was issued “by order of the Magistrates in Sessions assembled at the Court House, in the Town of Niagara…Ralfe Clench, Clerk of the Peace…” The document is not dated or signed but includes a date of 182_, with the last digit to be filled in when the form is completed. There are eight numbered clauses providing guidelines and directions for the operation of Inns. The first clause notes that “As INNS or TAVERNS are licenced for the conveniences of Travellers, and the Entertainment of wayfaring persons, All Tipling, Dram-Drinking, and habitual resort thereto are strictly prohibited”. The back of the document is a printed licence with blank spaces so that it can be completed by a specific inn or tavern keeper. The form notes that a keeper will be levied the sum of ten or five pounds annually, and that the keeper will not engage or allow any gambling or unlawful games on his premises. The form is blank and there is no date or signature.