Context: In 1393 King Richard II compelled landlords to erect signs outside their premises. The legislation stated "Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale." This was to make alehouses easily visible to passing inspectors, borough ale tasters, who would decide the quality of the ale they provided. William Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was one such inspector.

Question: Which monarch required landlords to post a sign if they wanted to sell ale?
Answer: Richard II

Question: In what year did the king demand ale-sellers post signage on pain of forfeiture?
Answer: 1393

Question: What was William Shakespeare's father's first name?
Answer: John

Question: What was John Shakespeare's profession?
Answer: inspectors

Question: If an ale-seller refused to post a sign, what punishment would he receive?
Answer: forfeit his ale