Licensed Ordinaries: Liquor Licensure Throughout American History

Although hard to imagine today, there was a time when towns were required by law to have a tavern and tavern ownership was a government appointment . . . "with perks." Seems THAT tradition goes back a long way. In her article, "Licensed Ordinaries: Liquor Licensure Throughout American History," Judy Rosella Edwards shares the background of early "ordinaries" and their role in the community.