City Arms Chester – Stables and Internal Alterations

ALTERATIONS TO THE CITY ARMS - Mr. Churton appeared on behalf of Messrs. Greenall, Whitley, and Co., and the tenant of the City Arms, to apply for permission to make alterations at the City Arms. The main alteration was to take in the area of what was formerly the space occupied by three cottages, one of which was already pulled down. There were also slight internal alterations proposed to be made. Mr. Segar Owen, architect, of Warrington, stated that it was proposed to erect stables in the yard to occupy the same area as the old cottages. The licensed area would be larger than now. The Chairman: You get a little bit added and your successor thinks it is licensed. Mr. Churton: The more valuable the premises are the more likely they are to be well conducted. That is my suggestion. Mr. Owen further said that it was proposed to have a screen dividing one part of the bar from the other. Mr. Laybourne (Chief Constable) said his objection was that while now anyone could go into the house from Frodsham-street and have a clear run of the bar, if the alteration was made they were simply cutting off a portion of the bar without making the part cut off suitable for a better class, and if the police officer went in from Frodsham-street he would have to go into the street again and make his way into the room from another door, if he wanted to see the portion that was screened off. If the company were going to make it a high- class room, and have it upholstered, he would not have any objection, because it would be for a better class of customer. He was satisfied that the barman would not have proper supervision over it from the other side. After a short consideration the magistrates intimated that they were satisfied so far as the stables were concerned, and they did not object to the internal alterations, which, however, must be made subject to the Chief Constable's wishes. If found unworkable, the matter would be brought up again. Mr. Churton said that the company were quite willing to do anything the magistrates or the police directed. [Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales 11th January 1899 page 5]

Reference           Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales 11th January 1899 page 5 Chester Licensing Sessions