The Constables are not to go into public houses at night to order the landlord to close his house, or interfere in any other manner with the management or regulation of the house.
If public houses are disorderly, notice is to be given to the Serjeant, who will report the case to the proper authorities.
Sergeant: “What are you doing in that bar?!”
Officer: “I was [hic] just closing it down.”
Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. And the picture from a pub near Bramshill, England.
[I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in February.]