Document: Order on a petition of the tavern-keepers of New Amsterdam that the brewers and merchants may be obliged to sell their beer, wines, etc. at a lower rate

[ Whereas it appears by the invoice that ] wines are more expensive in the fatherland [ than formerly ], and consequently that the tavernkeepers purchase them here at a higher price; moreover, that they by virtue of the preceding[1] are somewhat more heavily taxed, as by the tenor of which appears. Therefore, the tavernkeepers are hereby allowed to sell a quart of French wine at 24 stivers, brandy and Spanish wine for a rixdollar,[2] or the gill at 7 stivers, without the prices exceeding the above upon forfeit of their business and 10 pounds Flemish in addition thereto.

Thursday, 21 August 1653.

Upon the petition of the fiscal, requesting that he have the authority and [ ] to admonish all tavernkeepers [ to sell ] their beers and wines at the prices established by ordinance,[3] about which the tavernkeepers [ ] redress and that they receive lower prices from the brewers and merchants.A decision on the above shall be deferred for a period of time when it shall be reconsidered.