The burgomasters and schepenen of this city of Amsterdam in New Netherland make known, with all due humility, how we, at the request and petition of Paulus vander Beecq as farmer of the burgher excise presented [ to them ], tending to the effect that the brewers as well as other citizens who consume beer in their family that they brewed themselves are liable for the burgher excise; and, in order to prevent any fraud, that the brewers be obliged, as soon as they have brewed beer to register their barreled beers; also, that the merchants and others, who obtain wines or beers from patria or elsewhere, also should pay the burgher excise on what they consume and subject themselves to inspection.[i]
Therefore, their honors, after serious deliberation and research of the laws and customs of our fatherland pertinent to this matter, hereby, for the maintenance of the farmer’s rectitude, order and consent.
First, that the farmer shall be able to properly inspect the brew houses of the brewer or brewers as he sees fit;
Second, that brewers shall be bound to pay the farmer six stivers for every brewing which they make for their [ own ] consumption, whether it be strong or small;
Third, be it the case that the brewer or [ brewers ] want to move or bring in any barreled beers, whether much or less, good or small beer, from their breweries in their or other people’s cellars, houses, warehouses, or other, they shall be obliged to secure a receipt of payment from the farmer, upon which the quantity and quality appear; for which receipt of payment shall be paid, each time, four stivers; but they shall be obliged to secure thereof an excise certificate for as much as they lay in their houses or cellars for their use and to pay for it the appropriate excise as do other citizens;
Fourth, it is also, pursuant to the customs and orders of our fatherland, ordered and allowed that all of those who might obtain any wine or beer from patria or other places, shall be obliged to make an arrangement with the farmer for the ordinary tax of what they consume in their house and in case they cannot agree together thereupon, such shall remain at the discretion of the honorable court to order absolutely therein according to each one’s condition and circumstances.
And, so that no one may declare ignorance, we have, with the approbation of the esteemed lord director general of New Netherland, after re-reading, published, and posted this at the city hall. Done this 6 November anno 1656 at Amsterdam in New Netherland. (stood below)
By order of the burgomaster and schepenen (was signed)
Jacob Kip, secretary.
