The Dundee Licensed Trade Association dates back to June 1863 when it was established as the Dundee Wine, Spirit & Beer Trade Protection Association, a name it was to keep for over one hundred years. In the association’s first century, political activity was rife and the organisation was involved in setting up petitions and protests against legislation and local laws that threatened the livelihood of licensed traders in Dundee and Scotland as a whole. 

A few examples of the association’s involvement included, a petition to the commons against the public houses (Hours of Closing) (Scotland) Act 1887 amendment Bill and also a petition against the Liquor and Traffic Local Veto (Scotland) Bill. In August 1900, a petition was raised against the Sale to Children Bill and was signed by 10,521 inhabitants of Dundee. There are many more controversial issues that the Dundee Wine, Spirit & Beer Trade Protection Association were involved in and are available for viewing in records of meetings located in Dundee City archives. The first minute book is unfortunately missing. However, all subsequent books are available.