Distillation Act 1698

1. Introductory Text

2. Reasons for passing this Act;

3. II. Proviso for using Yeast in certain Distillations.

4. III. Recital of Inconveniences arising from the Use of Private Stills, &c.

5. IV. Officer, in the Day-time, and with Constable, may search for private Pipes, &c. and may break up Ground, &c. of any House, &c. into which the same may lead, &c.

6. V. If no Pipe, &c. found, Officer to make good the Ground, or make Satisfaction to Owner, to be adjudged by Two Justices, or Party may bring his Action; Damages paid out of Excise Revenue Opposing Officer, Penalty £ 100

7. VI. Distiller may use Pipe, &c. above Ground.

8. VII. Officer suspecting concealed Stills, &c. on Affidavit thereof,

9. VIII. If no Still, &c. found, then Officer to make good Place broken up, or make Satisfaction to Owner, to be adjudged by Two Justices, or Party may bring his Action; Damages paid out of Revenue of Excise; Opposing Officer; Penalty £ 200.

10. IX. How Spirits made from Mixture of Spirits with Wash, &c. except with Water, chargeable.

11. X. The Owners of Houses, &c. used as open Distilleries, as herein described, may, between 31 Jan. 1698 and 1st Feb. 1699, distil Spirits or Low Wines, as herein mentioned,; so as the Whole does not exceed the Quantity herein mentioned

12. XI. Commissioners of Excise to give to Owners a true Account in Writing of Quantities charged in such Vouchers, ending 30th Sept. 1698.

13. XII. Exporting or Lading for Exportation Beer, Ale, Wash, &c.;

14. XIII. Proviso for Exportation of Beer and Ale for Ships' Crews and Passengers, &c.

15. XIV. And to Colonies, Forts, &c. in America, Persia, and East Indies, for their Sustentation, &c.; on Security by Exporter for the due Landing thereof.

16. XV. Proviso in favour of Charles Bennett.