[mrtksn]

How does this work? Were these public houses literally owned by the public and someone noticed that they may sell something there? AFAIK it's more like people opening their premises to outsiders to hang around and sell them stuff.

[rrrrrrrrrrrryan]

Yes - to enter most houses you needed to be a member of the club, or know the owner, have an invitation, etc.

Some houses were open to the public ("public houses," "pubs") where anyone could walk in and grab a drink and a bite, and usually even a bed for the night.