
Journal of Liberal History
For the discussion and research of Liberal, Liberal Democrat and SDP history
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Liberals and Trade Unions: The General Strike of 1926
June 29, 2026 / 18:00
On This Day
31 July 1872
The Licensing Act becomes law
Mainly the work of Liberal Home Secretary, Henry Bruce (1st Baron Aberdare) the Act restricted opening hours, regulated the content of beer, made magistrates the licensing authority and gave boroughs the option of becoming completely dry. It was not popular with drinkers, landlords or brewers nor with the police who had to enforce new closing times. Many took the view they would still rather see ‘an England free than an England compulsorily sober’.
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