Restriction ‘will hit events hard'

3:10pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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TWO Bewdley pubs have been reminded to stick to their licensing conditions – which prohibit outdoor drinking – following a complaint from a local resident.

Drinkers at the Mug House Inn and the Cock and Magpie, on Severnside North, have been taking alcohol outside the pubs, despite the fact that it is not allowed.

The conditions on the pubs’ licences restrict the use of tables and chairs and the drinking of alcohol outside the premises.

Drew Clifford, owner of the Mug House Inn, said he had been trading outside for five years and was worried about the impact the conditions would have on his business.

He has taken his five tables back inside and explained that up and coming events, such as the Bewdley Regatta, will be hit hard.

He said: “The regatta is coming up and I think it is valuable to the town that people can drink outside.

“All the visitors who come to the event have been used to drinking outside, so it will have an awful impact on the regatta if they can’t.”

He added: “The customers understand the legal implications and they have been very good about it. No-one has been drinking outside since we were told we couldn’t trade outside.”

Mark Kay, environmental health and licensing manager, said the conditions had been in place since 2005.

He explained: “A week or so ago we had a complaint from a local resident, who said those public houses were not complying with the conditions.

“They have had chairs and tables on land in front of the premises, with people taking alcohol out and consuming it.

“It’s not a ban. It’s a condition on the licence and that area is also an alcohol restriction zone.

“Although the condition is still in place, the publicans may be able to apply to amend it. We’re trying to work with the two publicans to make sure they keep their business.”

Brian Kent, principal licensing officer, said: “We’re just reminding the publicans of the way they should run their premises.”