It's odd that a word meaning "a starting point for reasoning" also means "a locality".
This is how it evolved.
In the Middle Ages, the word meant "the first statement in an argument" (from a Latin word meaning "set before"). Then medieval lawyers started to use it to refer to any foregoing statement in a legal document. In particular, they used it for the opening statement in a deed or conveyance of property. In such documents, the things mentioned right off the top were the lands, dwellings, and other buildings, and these were subsequently referred to in the document as "the premises". Since such things were usually in the plural, or probably referred to in the plural by lawyers just to cover the eventuality that there might be more than one, the plural form took over.
Gradually, the usage spread beyond the legal profession, and people began to think of "premises" as a synonym for "A house or building together with its grounds, outhouses,etc." [that's "outhouses" in the British sense of outbuildings!]. But there was still a plural notion about it. Only gradually did the plural noun "premises" come to designate a singular entity like a building or a shop.
But English just doesn't like plural nouns for things that
are (or are perceived as) singular. Stamina and molasses were both
originally plural nouns, but have now become singular (it's actually
surprising that molasses didn't become molass in the process). We don't even like singular things having names that sound like they're plural: singular skates, cherise, and pease became skate, cherry, and pea. Under the weight of this pressure, I think it is inevitable that plural "premises" will yield to the singular "premise".
In fact, if you do a Google search on "licensed premise" you find the term in many legal documents, from all over the English-speaking world.
If this usage bothers you, my advice is: hie you to a licensed premise, drink up, and accept the inevitable.
- Complain about a licensed premise
www.warwickdc.gov.uk › ... › Your Council › Online Services › FormsUse this form to complain about a Licensed Premise.
www.tabc.state.tx.us/licensing/license_and_permit_description.aspDec 20, 2012 – ... Permit or Wine and Beer Retailer's Permit if food service is the primary business being operated on the licensed premise or to the holder of a ...
www.rld.state.nm.us/.../Special_Dispenser_Permits.aspxAll laws that apply on a normal licensed premise apply at the location of the SDP or public celebration. For SDP Information Letter 1/7/13, click here. To obtain an ...
www.personallicencescotland.com/scottish-certificate-for-licensed-pr...Licensed Premises Staff includes anyone serving alcohol form behind a bar, sales counter or directly to a table from a licensed premise or temporary event ...
www.maine.gov/dps/liqr/regulations.html - United StatesWhoever is found in charge of a licensed premise or making service or waiting on trade in such licensed premise shall be prima facie construed to be a clerk, ...- [PDF]
www.qhint.com/.../9-File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View... - Australia
A customer can remain on a licensed premise when showing severe signs of intoxication if they promise not to drink any more alcohol.
Thanks for this, Katherine. I may take you up on your suggestions for dealing with the singular premise.
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