Distillation Act 1698

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.

Provided alwaies That in case upon such breaking open any such Door or House no such Private or concealed Back Still or other Vessell Spiritts Low Wines Wash or other Materialls for Distillation shall be found such Gauger and Officers of Excize shall make good the House or Place soe broken up as aforesaid or make reasonable Satisfaction to the Owner or Owners thereof to be adjudged by Two of the next Justices of the Peace whereof one to be of the Quorum or the Party injured shall be at liberty to bring his Action for the Damages by him sustained and what shall be adjudged by the said Justices or recovered upon such Action shall be paid out of His Majesties Revenue of Excise by the Commissioners thereof for the time being and if any Distiller or any other Person or Persons whatsoever shall oppose obstruct or hinder any such Gauger or Officer soe authorized as aforesaid in the due execution of the Powers hereby given and granted every such Distiller or other Person shall forfeite and loose the Sum of Two hundred Pounds all which said Penalties shall be recovered and levied by the same Meanes and Methods as any Fine or Penalty imposed by any Law of Excise now in force is recoverable One Moiety of which said Forfeitures shall be to His Majesty His Heires and Successors and the other Moiety to him or them that will discover informe or sue for the same as aforesaid