Document: Order on a petition of the farmers of the excise

A petition of the farmers of the tappers’ excise of this city of Amsterdam was read at the session, requesting that the liquor permits for transporting wine and beer only be given out and available at their office, complaining of smuggling etc.

After deliberation the following was recommended:

That the petitioners complain about smuggling and because of it are unable to pay the promised impost, does not concern the high council because the petitioners have agreed to guard against fraud of the tappers’ excise, and already, contrary to custom, they [ the smugglers ] have conspired with many tappers. With those whom they prove have shorted and defrauded them, they shall be handled properly and according to the laws applicable thereto. Concerning the liquor permits of wines and beers, which until now have been granted to the burgher secretary, they shall be disposed of according to circumstance. Done at the session held in Amsterdam in New Netherland, ady ut supra.