WHereas it is most apparent , that the Multitude of Coffee-houses of late years set up and kept within this Kingdom , the Dominion of Wales , and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed , and the great resort of Idle and disaffected persons to them , have produced very evil and dangerous effects ; as well for that many Tradesmen and others , do therein mis-spend much of their time , which might and probably would otherwise be imployed in and about their Lawful Callings and Affairs ; but also , for that in such Houses , and by occasion of the meetings of such persons therein , divers False , Malitious and Scandalous Reports are devised and spread abroad , to the Defamation of His Majesties Government , and to the Disturbance of the Peace and Quiet of the Realm ; His Majesty hath thought it fit and necessary , That the said Coffee-Houses be ( for the future ) Put down and Suppressed , and doth ( with the Advice of His Privy Council ) by this His Royal Proclamation , Strictly Charge and Command all manner of persons , That they or any of them do not presume from and after the Tenth day of January next ensuing , to keep any Publick Coffee-house , or to Vtter or sell by retail , in his , her or their house or houses ( to be spent or consumed within the same ) any Coffee , Chocolet , Sherbett or Tea , as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perils .

And for the better accomplishment of this his Majesties Royal Pleasure , His Majesty doth hereby will and require the Iustices of Peace within their several Counties , and the Chief Magistrates in all Cities and Towns Corporate , that they do at their next respective General Sessions of the peace ( to be holden within their several and respective Counties , Divisions and Precincts ) recall and make void all Licenses at any time heretofore Granted , for the selling or Retailing of any Coffee , Chocolet , Sherbett or Tea . And that they or any of them do not ( for the future ) make or grant any such License or Licenses , to any person or persons whatsoever . And his Majesty doth further hereby declare , that if any person or persons shall take upon them , him or her , after his , her or their License or Licenses recalled , or otherwise without License , to sell by retail ( as aforesaid ) any of the Liquors aforesaid , that then the person or persons so Offending , shall not only be proceeded against , upon the Statute made in the Fifteenth year of His Majesties Reign ( which gives the forfeiture of five pounds for every moneth wherein he , she or they shall offend therein ) but shall ( in case they persevere to Offend ) receive the severest punishments that may by Law be inflicted .