Disorderly Houses Act, 1751

Who shall be deemed the keeper of such bawdy-house, &c.

8. And whereas, by reason of the many subtle and crafty contrivances of persons keeping bawdy-houses, gaming-houses, or other disorderly houses, it is difficult to prove who is the real owner or keeper thereof, by which means many notorious offenders have escaped punishment: Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that any person who shall at any time hereafter appear, act, or behave him or herself as master or mistress, or as the person having the care, government, or management of any bawdy-house, gaming-house, or other disorderly house, shall be deemed and taken to be the keeper thereof, and shall be liable to be prosecuted and punished as such, notwithstanding he or she shall not in fact be the real owner or keeper thereof.

[S. 9 rep. 30 & 31 Vict. c. 59. (S.L.R.)]