Section 18. The aldermen or the selectmen, upon complaint made to them under oath that the complainant has reason to believe and does believe that a booth, shed or other temporary erection, situated within one mile of a muster field, cattle show ground, or other place of public gathering, is used and occupied for the sale of spirituous or fermented liquor, or for the purpose of illegal gaming, may order the owner or occupant thereof to vacate and close the same forthwith. If the owner or occupant fails so to do, the aldermen or selectmen may forthwith abate such booth, shed or erection as a nuisance, and may pull down or otherwise destroy the same through the agency of any force, civil or military.