The scheme for reforming public-houses, usually spoken of as Earl Grey's Public-house Trust Scheme, owing to the share which he has taken in at least one practical application, is well deserving of study, and the experiments now to be tried on a large scale in parts of Great Britain will be watched with interest by all those who believe that temperance may best be encouraged by diminishing the temptations to drink. It seems only reasonable to hope that good will result from a scheme, which will bring about a diminution of the public-houses of the existing “gin-palace” type, and their replacement by refreshment rooms where wholesome food at popular prices, and tea, coffee, etc., can be obtained as easily as alcoholic drinks; where likewise the crowded drinking bar will be largely replaced by seats and tables at which customers can eat as well as drink in comfort. The proprietors or managers of ordinary public-houses are encouraged to push the sale of alcoholic drinks in preference to tea, coffee, and ordinary refreshments on account of the larger profits to be obtained from intoxicating liquors. In country villages it is suggested that the houses of the Public-house Trust should have club, recreation, and reading rooms, as well as the old-fashioned bowling green and other outdoor counter-attractions to the tap-room.
(BMJ 1901;ii:158)