Mournful mayor condemns drunkenness

This article was íntended for the Chester programme or any subsequent home match:

Drunkenness in Leamington was a big issue in February 1921, the Mayor claiming that the good reputation of the town was in danger.   Prosecutions had increased from 16 to 37, eight against women while eight persons were prosecuted for Sunday drunkenness.   In a table of twelve similar towns, Leamington was second in the table for drunkenness.   The town was in third place for licenses per head of population.   Not only were most of those prosecuted local people but ‘In most of the cases we have had of disturbances, quarrels and obscene language the excuse has been given in almost every instance that the person charged had had drink’.

The Chief Constable provided some factual background.   There were 76 licensed houses in the borough, 15 beerhouses [under legislation in the reign of King William IVth] and 22 off licenses.   Given a population of 26,713 in 1911 this was one licensed house for every 236 inhabitants.   In addition there were 12 clubs at which intoxicating liquors were sold.   Licensed premises were visited at irregular periods by the police and were found to be well conducted.   Two premises had been closed for being structurally unsound.

Giving a robust reply to the Mayor, Mr Coleman of the Licensed Victuallers Association complained about the mayor’s ‘mournful demeanour’ while congratulating the chief constable for being ‘cheerful’.  The publicans of Leamington stood today with a perfectly clean sheet.  The population was now 31,000 and there a number of pubs were about to be closed meaning that there was just one for every 350 people.   

The increase in drunkenness was not confined to Leamington, ‘being common throughout the country.  It was to be attributed to the fact that people now had more time on their hands, and a natural sequel to the relaxations following the war.’  Mr Coleman complained that one application to turn one pub into an early version of what would now be called a gastro pub had been turned down.   It was evident that the bench did not want full meals being served in licensed premises.  The clerk intervened to say ‘By eatables the justices think that bread and cheese, pork pie or something of that sort should be available for customers to eat with their beer.   It is the continual drinking and no eating which does the mischief.’

On the football pitch, the long awaited game between Foleshill Albion and Leamington Town in the third round of the Midland Daily Telegraph cup took place.    There was a record crowd at the Albion ground.  The visitors had the advantage of the wind behind them and took the lead after ten minutes with a superbly placed corner followed by a clever header from Okey.   Some good open play followed, but the Leamington defenders put in some hard tackles.   Foleshill equalised and the play became fast with excitement high.  Hartlett and Jonas battled it out on the right and the Spa man was twice penalised for holding.   Eventually an unmarked Okey was able to put Leamington 2-1 ahead.   

After the break Checkley stopped an attack on the Spa goal but as a result had to go off injured.   However, Walker scored for Town with a brilliant shot over the keeper.   Town sat back a little and Albion penned Town back.  Albion made it 3-2 with a tap in and then won a penalty through which they equalised.   With the strong wind behind them Albion made it 4-3 five minutes from time.