Gothenburg, Prestonpans
Gothenburg, Prestonpans

The Gothenburg or Trust Public House system originated in the 1860s in Gothenburg, Sweden’ in an attempt to control the consumption of spirits. The city of Gothenburg awarded its sole retail licence for spirits to a trust. The shareholders of the trust were to receive a maximum return of 5% annually and all other profits were to be used to benefit the local community. The town treasury was to control the income generated and use it to provide libraries, museums, parks and other community facilities. The success of the system led to its spread throughout Sweden and further afield. A premise of these pubs was that they were not to be attractive or welcoming, were to discourage drinking, particularly of spirits. No credit was given and betting and gambling were banned, as were any form of game or amusement (even dominoes). This pub was my local as a young man. Best pint in Prestonpans!

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Gothenburg, Prestonpans

The Gothenburg or Trust Public House system originated in the 1860s in Gothenburg, Sweden’ in an attempt to control the consumption of spirits. The city of Gothenburg awarded its sole retail licence for spirits to a trust. The shareholders of the trust were to receive a maximum return of 5% annually and all other profits were to be used to benefit the local community. The town treasury was to control the income generated and use it to provide libraries, museums, parks and other community facilities. The success of the system led to its spread throughout Sweden and further afield. A premise of these pubs was that they were not to be attractive or welcoming, were to discourage drinking, particularly of spirits. No credit was given and betting and gambling were banned, as were any form of game or amusement (even dominoes). This pub was my local as a young man. Best pint in Prestonpans!

Buy this print online:

 
Item added to cart