formality in notices, instructions, etc.

[Lenka]

What do the following signs mean?

"THIS PUBLIC HOUSE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE"

"DO NOT ALIGHT WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION" => does it mean that you are not allowed to make fire, smoke and so on when the bus is going?

"ARTICLES DEPOSITED MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE"

[curmudgeon]

A public house is another name for a bar, pub or inn. If its closed until further notice then it won't be open until someone (probably the owner, but maybe the local licencing authority) advises to the contrary.

Alight means to disembark or get off, so it makes sense not to do this while travelling down the freeway! (I must admit I thought you may have had your tongue in your cheek when you asked this question!

Articles deposited etc. Appears to refer either to a left luggage office or a cloakroom at a dance hall or similar place where you leave an article. They want their money in advance in case you don't come back!

[CatFight]

Hello,

I stumbled across "alight", too, and looked it therefore up in an online dictonary: "Alight" means something like "to jump off" or "to leave" according to my source.

Best whishes, CatFight

[curmudgeon]

Yes CatFight, there is more here: alight: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

It would normally appear on a notice on the bus/train etc to prevent the company from being sued by a passenger.