Interesting Stories and Notes

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John Burgar appears before the House of Commons Select Committee on the Sale of Beer in 1833

In 1833 John Burgar appears before a Select Committee of the House of Commons.²⁸⁸   This committee was dealing with the Sale of Beer, which was a big issue at this time.  There was concern that the working classes were drinking too much and the Temperance Movement was trying to restrict the sale of alcohol.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to get the full transcripts of the proceedings in the House of Commons, but the portion below gives the start of the evidence given by John Burgar.

John Burgar called in and examined. 

"You keep a chop and eating house at 34, East Street, Manchester Square: and you are also a retailer of beer?

I am. 

Are persons frequenting your eating house.."

The above is tantalisingly brief, but it leaves one to wonder why John Burgar is called to give testimony at the House of Commons.

A second transcript of another meeting gives a list of names.  It is not clear whether these are other witnesses.  It is noted that some have been dignified by the title 'Mr'.

Thomas Phillips, Mr James Bishop, Mr Abraham Crawley, Mr Joseph Hogan, John Burgar, Thomas Ellis, Mr James White, Mr Thomas Grey Penny, Mr James Farren

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