September 1649: An Act prohibiting to Brew for sale any Ale or Beer above Ten shillings the Barrel, besides the Excize.

September, 1649

[12 September, 1649.]

After 1 Oct., 1649, none to brew beer, etc., for sale at above 10s. per barrel, besides Excise.; Penalty.; Penalty for second offence.; One moiety of fines to poor of parish the other to informer.; Brewers may sell ale or beer at 10s. per barrel besides Excise.; Act to be in force one year only.

Be it Enacted by this present Parliament, and by Authority thereof, That no Brewer or other person that breweth to put to sale, shall after the First day of October, One thousand six hundred forty nine, brew to sell, directly or indirectly, any Beer or Ale, or other Drink, wherein Mault shall be used, any Barrel of Beer, Ale, or other drink as aforesaid, or greater or lesser quantity proportionably, above the rate of Ten shillings the Barrel, over and above the Excize payable, accompting Thirty six Gallons to the Barrel for Beer, and Thirty two gallons for Ale, Upon the pain and forfeiture for every Barrel the sum of Five pounds, and so proportionably for a greater or lesser quantity, to be levyed by Distress and sale of the Offendors goods, being thereof convicted by the Oathes of two Witnesses, before any one Justice of the Peace; which Oath the said Justice hath hereby power to administer, and to grant Warrant for distress and sale of goods as aforesaid; And in default of sufficient Distress then the said Justice shall send such person to the Gaol, there to remain for the space of three Moneths without Bail or Mainprize: And if such person shall offend the second time, and be thereof convicted, as aforesaid, Then such Justice of the Peace shall cause such Offender to be sent to the House of Correction, and there to get his or her livelyhood by labor for the space of Six Moneths, without he or she shall pay down Ten pounds for every Barrel, or other greater or lesser quantity so brewed and Sold (over and above the price or rate of Ten shillings as aforesaid) The one moyety of which several fines, the said Justice shall give to the poor of the Parish where the offence shall be committed, and the other moyety to the Party that shall make discovery and prosecute the same. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful for the said Justice, to examine upon Oath any Victualler, Seller or Retailer of Beer, Ale, or Drink as aforesaid, or other person whatsoever (other than the said Brewer himself) what price or prices, directly or indirectly have been made, or other indirect practice hath been used with or by the said Brewer, or other person to delude this Act, and the good intended thereby, to the end the said Brewer or other person may be brought to condign punishment as aforesaid. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful for any Brewer of Ale or Beer, to sell Ale or Beer at Ten shillings the Barrel (over and above the Excize) and so proportionably a greater or lesser quantity, Any Law, Statute, or Usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. Provided always, That this Act be in full force for the space of one whole year, from and after the First day of October, One thousand six hundred forty nine, and no longer.