London SE1 > News & Features > November 2000

Historic Boot & Flogger under threat

THE UNIQUE status of Southwark's Boot & Flogger wine bar is under threat.

At present the the bar in Redcross Way is the only premises in the UK allowed to sell wine without having to apply for a licence.

John Davy trades as a 'Free Vintner' being a Freeman of the Vintners' Company based at Vintners' Hall on the north end of Southwark Bridge and in the City of London. The little known Vintners' privilege covers the Square Mile and three miles beyond the City. Also covered are some towns on the road between London and Dover and London and Berwick. Some port towns such as Sandwich and Weymouth are also included.The bars may not sell beers or spirits.

The Boot & Flogger operates under the special dispensation confirmed by James I in 1611. Indeed The Boot & Flogger claims that the right to sell wine without a licence dates from a charter of 1567 granted by Queen Elizabeth I.

The change is proposed in the white paper on licensing called Time for Reform: Proposals for the Modernisation of our Licensing Laws. A Home Office spokesperson says: "The point of this legislation is to streamline and simplify the over complex laws regarding liquor licensing."

"It is a great shame" says Vintners' Company Clerk Michael Smythe. "It is being done away with for none other than uniformity. It's totally unnecessary"

If legislation is passed John Davy is certain that it would spell the end of the historic wine bar.

The name Boot & Flogger refers to a corking device. The leather boot holds the bottle whilst the wooden flogger 'flogs' in the cork. The Boot & Flogger, just off Southwark Street, is open Mondays to Fridays 11am to 8pm. Regulars and visitors have been eagerly coming forward to sign a petition to be presented to the House of Commons before any legislation is debated.