• Pre-war picture of owner J. W. Green outside his Park Street West brewery.

In the wake of restricted opening hours and other restrictions on pubs and the concerns in some quarters that drink was a bigger enemy than Germany, the Bedfordshire Brewers' Association passed the following resolutions in July 1917 against the possibility of nationalisation their industry.

STATE CONTROL: That having regard to the powers already conferred on the Liquor Control Board by Act of Parliament, this meeting, representative of the brewers trading in Bedford, is of the opinion that any further measure of control is unnecessary for the successful prosecution of the war, and also, having regard to the undertakings of the Government on accepting office, this meeting is further of opinion that no system of control should be introduced except by agreement with representatives to be duly appointed by the brewing industry of the country.

STATE PURCHASE: Having regard to the definite promises made by the present Government on taking office that no controversial matter should be brought before Parliament and owing to the fact that a measure of so great a magnitude and having such far-reaching results should not be brought forward during the absence abroad of so many interested parties, this meeting, representative of the brewers trading in Bedford, requests the Members of Parliament for Bedford to vote against any Bill committing the country to any measure of State purchase during the period of the war or until an appeal to the people by a General Election has been made.

[The Luton News: Thursday, July 19th, 1917]