From the Dover Express, 1st May, 1970

Publican prosecuted for selling short measures of whisky

The landlord of a Sandwich public house described a Weights and Measures Inspector as a 'magician' at Wingham Magistrates' Court at Sandwich.

Edward Copus, of the "Ship," Sandwich had pleaded not guilty to three charges of selling short measures of whisky.

He was found not guilty on the first charge, but guilt on the second two, and fined a total of £10 and ordered to pay six guineas costs.

Inspector Mr. Michael Farrant told the court of the day he went to the "Ship" with two assistants and asked for three VAT 69 whiskies.

The three were measured out and poured into the glasses. Mr Farrant then revealed his true identity, and said he intended to measure the amounts sold in a measure.

The first measured 0.76 fluid ounces, the second was 0.73 fluid ounces and the third 0.79 fluid ounces. They all should have been 0.84 fluid ounces.

Cross-examining Mr. Farrant Copus asked him if any whisky  would have been left in the glasses, and on the top and the side of the measure. Mr. Farrant agreed that there would be some, but that it would be a very small amount.

"I agree that it would be a small amount," said Copus. "But we are dealing with small amounts."

Asked if what he measured was the same amount as that which he was sold, Mr. Farrant replied "Yes."

"You admit there is some left in the glass and that there is some left in the measure. Yet you say that this was the exact measure you were sold."

"You are a magician, Mr. Farrant," said Copus.

Copus, who has held a publican's license for 40 years said that the amounts left in the glass and on the measure might account for the shortage in the first glass, but couldn't say why the second and third glasses were short.

"I was using a thimble measure stamped by the Government as being correct," he said.

Chairman of the bench Mr. Frank Rose, announcing the fines said: "We would like to say that we are quite sure that this was a mistake and nothing intended.

From the Dover Express, 1st May, 1970

LAST ORDERS FOR SHIP

The "Ship Inn", on Sandwich Quay, which is to close, Charringtons have already sold the premises, and they will be converted into a private dwelling next month. The "Ship" has served the town's drinking population for many years.

The present licensee, Mr. Edward Copus, took over in 1957, and will be retiring on 14th September, when "time" will be called for the last time. Mr. Copus has been a licensee for the past 40 years.

A spokesman for Charringtons told the Dover Express this week: "It is a policy of ours to close uneconomical properties. And we are taking advantage of the landlord's retirement to close the "Ship." It's a pity, we know, because the place has got a lot of character.