Eastern Daily Press 18 March 1899

NORWICH PUBLICAN IN COURT

SUNDAY BEER
At the Norwich police court on Thursday, Samuel Brown of the Sportsman public house, Barrack Street, was summoned for having his house open for the sale of intoxicants at 12.18 on Sunday last, during prohibited hours.
Mr. Reeve defended.
Police constable Hook said at about 18 minutes past 12 on Sunday in company with another constable, he visited the defendants house. In the back yard he saw 3 men, one of whom had a glass of ale in his hand. The window was open and the landlord stood near the window. As soon as the witness entered the yard the defendant went away, but he came back, and witness asked how he accounted for these men being on his premises. the defendant thought it was 12.30, his clock must have been fast. Witness asked for names and the addresses of the 3 men. They gave them but two proved to be false.
Cross examined -  When witness entered the defendants front room the defendants clock pointed to 12.29. There was no concealment about the men who were drinking.
Re-examined the front door was not opened, the back door was.
PC Smith corroborated.
Mr. Reeve having addressed the bench without calling witness.
The chairman said the defendant would be fined 10 shillings and 8 shillings cost.  Under the circumstances the license would not be endorsed