Document: Order on a representation of the tavern-keepers of New Amsterdam

At the session some of the most prominent tavernkeepers of this city of Amsterdam in New Netherland appeared at the request of the director general. They were informed of the resolution of the honorable director general and councilors of New Netherland, dated the 29th of this month, concerning the increase in the tappers’ excise, and they were ordered and commanded as a result of the aforesaid increase in the excise not to sell their wine and beer higher than they previously had done, which according to their own declaration is:

So that in any case more than a reasonable profit is made thereon.

After the proposition was made by the honorable director general, the tavernkeepers complained about the expense of purchasing wines and especially brandy, and that they were required to sell them at one time for more than at another time, because they had to purchase them at one time almost for half as much more than at another time.

Which being taken into consideration by the director general and councilors, they were permitted to sell the brandy according to the purchase price, either more expensive or cheaper; however, until further orders, they had to observe strictly the foregoing orders on the other wines and beers, which they promised to do. Ady ut supra, 29 November 1655.