On This Day, 23 March 1917

Birmingham Mail

Friday 23 March 1917

SUGAR SCENES IN BIRMINGHAM

POSITION OF GROCERS

Several rather remarkable scenes have occurred in poor working class localities in Birmingham in consequence apparently of a misunderstanding as to the meaning of the Food Controller’s Order in relation to “unconditional” sale of sugar. A big crowd assembled at one grocer’s shop, and insisted upon being supplied with sugar. They were not regular customers, and the grocer was unable to supply them. He was compelled to close his shop.

This afternoon a deputation from the Grocers’ Association waited upon the Lord Mayor, and at the close a statement was made pointing out that there was no obligation upon a grocer to supply sugar. He was not legally obliged to supply anybody with anything; and he has a perfect right to satisfy the requirements of his regular customers before considering the request of other persons.