Strict enforcement of the licensing laws were in effect in the years after the second World War. Police sergeants and police constables would be vigilant in upholding these laws. For one lucky man the law was not enforced as he had a friend who confirmed his own version of events.
“Glass Taken Away Too Quickly
Following the warning, given by Licensing Justices at the annual brewster sessions concerning the consumption of drink on licenced premises after hours, Stamford Police have made several checks on inns, and as a result Michael Reginald Edward Ranger. a corporal in the R. A. F. stationed at Swinderby, appeared before the borough magistrates on Saturday, charged with such an offence at the London inn on 7 February.
Evidence of a visit to the lounge of the inn at 10.15 p.m. was given by P.s. Swain, who said he found it crowded. There were three glasses containing beer on the bar, and one, a pint glass, which the defendant said was “dead.” On turning round, however, he saw defendant take up the glass and start drinking.
P.c. Foreman corroborated.
Defendant, who pleaded, “Not guilty,” told the magistrates that he was not drinking from the glass, but only making a gesture of farewell.
A friend, Sergeant R. F. Banning, stationed at North Luffenham, said that as defendant picked up the glass the sergeant reached over and took it from him. He did not see defendant drink from the glass.
The magistrates dismissed the case.”
Stamford Mercury, 1st March, 1948.