1708The town chose to have only two taverns.Economy and Industry, Government and Public Service, Local Businesses, City Government

The Selectmen were asked to request, on behalf of the town, of the Justices of the Peace in Salem, “that there might be but two houses of publick entertainment allowed in this towne for the present.” (Town Records, p. 77)
Gloucester Town Records, 1694-1762. 1762, http://archive.org/details/GLOOriginalRecords16941762Images