c. 94) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that enacted various regulations and offences relating to alcohol, particularly licensing of premises.

In particular, the act creates an offence of being drunk in public with a maximum fine of level 1 on the standard scale (£200 as of 2020[update]); and of being drunk in a public place while in charge of a horse, a cow (or other cattle), a steam engine,[2] or a carriage, or in possession of a loaded firearm, with a possible penalty of a fine of up to level 1 on the standard scale or 51 weeks in prison.

It was an unpopular act for the working classes and there were a number of near riots when police tried to enforce closing hours.

The Intoxicating Liquor (Licensing) Bill had its first reading in the House of Lords on 16 April 1872, presented by John Wodehouse, 1st Earl of Kimberley.

[4] During debate, Charles Gordon-Lennox, 7th Duke of Richmond, led criticism of the bill, focusing on the drafting of the bill, the powers given to the Home Secretary over local magistrates and the unfair treatment owners of public houses unfairly by punishing them for tenant misconduct.

[8] During debate, the Home Secretary, Henry Bruce MP defended the bill as moderate reform rather than prohibition.

The court held that knowledge was irrelevant — the question was whether a reasonable dispenser of the last drink sold would have realised the customer was clearly intoxicated.