On This Day, 28 May 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Tuesday 28 May 1918

SELLING BACON WITHOUT COUPONS.

At Smethwick, yesterday, the British and Argentine Meat Company, Ltd., Holborn Visduct, London, was summoned for falling to keep correct records containing particulars to show whether the firm was complying with the provisions of the Bacon, Ham, and Lard Order, and also for selling bacon without detaching the proper number of coupons. Authur Gocher, Brunswick Gardens, Handsworth, manager of the shop in High Street, Smethwick, was summoned for aiding and abetting.

Mr Wikison, for the prosecution, said on April 30 the executive officer of the Smethwick Food Control Committee visited the company’s shop, which was crowded. Customers were being supplied with bacon without coupons.

One woman admitted have 4lb. of bacon, and said she had not given up any coupons. When the manager was spoken to he said he understood it was a “free week.”

Mr Mobberley, for the defence, urged that that kind of thing was being done all over the country. There was a prevailing idea that the immense quantities of green bacon coming into the country could be sold without restrictions.

The firm as fined £35 in each case, and Gocher £10 in each case.

Wm. Hammond, High Street, was fined £10 for selling pressed beef without detaching the proper number of coupons.