where they distill Small Quantities only and yet insist they are
thereby Distillers within this Exception and as such to be exempted
from Quartering Soldiers, and taking Licences, the Two greatest
Inconveniences, which attend those, who keep way Kind of
Publick Houses.

3.

By these means, the Ale house keepers and Victualers have been
in many Places Over burthen'd with Soldiers, to the Ruin of Several
and impoverishment of many more especially Since the Vintner's
have also been also excused.

These Brandy Shops seem to deserve the last Incouragement or
Priviledge of any publick houses as they are found by Expences
to be the Cause of more Mischief and Inconveniencies to this
Town, than all other Publick houses Joyned together and as
We are informed by several Physitions, are most likely to
prepare and dispose the bodies of those who usually drink
such Liquors, by Weakning and Over heating them, to receive any
Infection, which may be brought in among Us, from other
places or Causes.

Under the Cover of this Exception, almost all that sell Brandy
or Geneva, Shelter themselves from Quartering of Soldiers
contrary to the Intention of the Parliament, as is conceived &
on all occasions threaten the Justices and Constables with
Actions, if they Quarter upon them, wherein they pretend to
be supported by these reall Distillers, of whom they buy the
Waters they sell. By which neaws the Constables are afraid
To do their duty, and execute the Justices Warrants for levying
the Penalties on them, being exposed thereby to the Charge
and Hazard of Actions wherein it lies on the Justices and
Constables to prove, Either that they Suffer Tipling or deale
more in Strong waters than in other Goods, which Points are
scarse over to be proved, but by their Customers or Servants
and they are generally unwilling Witnesses, and not easily
prevailed on to Informe or give Evidence against them.
Another Difficulty in the Execution of this Act arises from
the Generall Words of the Exception and how they are to be
Construed, with respect to the following Queries.

1.

What Persons shall be deemed to be Distillered or to keep houses
or placed of Distilling Strong Waters within this Exception.