Public Health

• People in York were told to clear the area outside of their houses and to not put waste outside until after 7pm

• Fines were introduced in York for any household that threw human waste onto the streets at nights

• People were encouraged to have their cesspits regularly emptied

• In London, water companies brought piped water into the houses of the rich

• Problems with cesspits and privies remained

The Gin Craze

• In the 18th century, alcohol became an issue as drinks became cheaper and stronger

• Between 1720 and 1751 the gin craze became a serious issue

• Gin was cheap and allowed consumers to escape from their life

• Gin led to an increase in crime and deaths

• Men and women became addicted, causing many women to drink whilst pregnant, causing deformities with the baby - gin became known as ‘ mother’s ruin’

Reaction to the Gin Craze

• 1729 Gin Act - a heavy tax was introduced on retailers of gin. Distillers had to pay a licence fee before producing gin and they tried to reduce the number of gin shops 

   

  1736 Gin Act - extremely high tax was imposed on retailers making it expensive to sell. Retailers were required to obtain expensive licences to sell gin. Fines and imprisonment were punishment for those who sold gin without a licence or sold it illegally. Largely inefficient

   

  1743 Gin Act - Reduction of taxes to make gin more affordable again. A more practical licencing system was introduced with lower costs. Focused more on control than punishment.

   

  1751 Gin Act - taxes on distillers. Gin could only be sold in at least 9 litres making it less accessible for individual buyers and reduce excessive consumption. Retailers had to follow strict regulations and many were forced to close down due to high costs and new laws. Penalties on those who violated the act.