Calling all pub experts!

[sindylin]

Another silly question from me, sorry..
But,

Is an Innkeeper the same as a publican?
also,
would an Innkeeper necessarily need to have a licence or could he still be called one and run a public house alcohol free? we are talking about the 1860'-1880's.

sindylin

[Jan1954]

Mr P, my resident ex-pub trade expert, says that inns were establishments where travellers could obtain food, drink, and lodging. These are/were run by Innkeepers.

A public house, is an establishment which serves alcoholic drinks, especially beer, for consumption on the premises, and are run by Publicans.

So, a pub which offers lodgings can be called an inn.

However, his knowledge has a 20th century foundation and he doesn't know about the 1800s' licencing laws (yet...;))

You may find this interesting:

http://www.infobritain.co.uk/UK_Hotels.htm

[Peter Goodey]

From about 1830 to about 1870 one could sell beer, ale and cider without a licence from local justices - a simple excise licence granted with few formalities was all that was needed.

[Alan Welsford]

From about 1830 to about 1870 one could sell beer, ale and cider without a licence from local justices - a simple excise licence granted with few formalities was all that was needed.
As an example, my great great grandfather John FINCHER of Tring, Herts is described in the 1861 census as "Bricklayer & Publican". There is nothing I've found to suggest he was landlord of any of the named Pubs in the town, and it would appear to be that the pub side of his job was almost certainly operated at his own house.

I'd love to know more, but believe there is little likelihood of any surviving record of such a business.

Does anyone know how such a business would have operated ? Would they have brewed beer at all, or would it more usually have been bought in, please ?

[sindylin]

Many thanks for your replies.

sindylin