Legal Definitions - tippling house

Tippling House

A "tippling house" is an older legal term that refers to a public establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on the premises. It is essentially a historical equivalent of what might today be called a pub, tavern, or bar. The term emphasizes the primary activity of drinking alcohol within the establishment.

Examples:

• Imagine a historical novel set in 18th-century England. A character might be described as frequenting a particular establishment, referred to as a "tippling house," in a bustling district. Here, he would meet friends, discuss current events, and consume ale or gin.

  This example illustrates a "tippling house" as a public place in a historical context where alcohol was sold and consumed, serving as a social hub for the community.

• In some older statutes or local ordinances, the term "tippling house" might be specifically used in regulations concerning the licensing and operation of establishments that serve alcohol. For instance, an old town charter might have prohibited the opening of a "tippling house" within a certain distance of a church or school to maintain public order.

  This demonstrates the term being used in a legal or regulatory context to define a specific type of establishment subject to particular rules regarding alcohol sales and consumption.

• While the term is largely archaic, if a modern-day establishment primarily focuses on serving alcoholic drinks for on-site consumption, such as a neighborhood bar known for its wide selection of craft beers and cocktails, it could, in a descriptive sense, be considered the functional equivalent of a "tippling house."

  This example helps bridge the historical term to a contemporary understanding, highlighting that the core function – selling alcohol for immediate consumption in a public setting – remains relevant, even if the specific terminology has evolved.