Think before you move in next door, says host

by John Harrington

Residents who want a silent night should think twice before they move next to a pub.

That is the message from licensees who support the Morning Advertiser's 'Lay off my Local' campaign. Hosts are furious about objections to modest extensions in opening hours from people who chose to live near a pub.

West Wales licensee Peter Wilson had to take a day off work and face a council hearing after five residents objected to his variation bid.

But in the end his application was accepted - because no residents bothered to turn up.

Wilson, who can now serve alcohol until 12.30am Sunday to Wednesday and 1am on other days at the Admiral Benbow in Neyland, said: 'I'm in an awkward area because it's in the middle of terraced houses.

'I can see it from the residents' point of view. But I've been here longer than them and they shouldn't move next door to a pub. I wouldn't move next door to a pub.'

The freehold licensee backed down from his plan to open until 3am after fears were expressed that the pub would become a 'mini nightclub'. This is because he applied for entertainment, which would be limited to pool, darts and quizzes.

His council also said he would need to double the number of CCTV cameras fitted at the pub - meaning another six cameras would be needed. 'It's absolute tosh,' Wilson fumed.

Cumbrian tenant Michael Cairns received objections from 25% of nearby households. Thankfully this meant just one representation, because the pub is in a small village.

Cairns was granted 1am opening at Mitchells of Lancaster's Anglers Arms in Haverthwaite. Councillors ruled that the objection, based on fears of being disturbed in the early morning, was unfounded.

'I don't get young people in here. It's more of an older person's establishment,' Cairns said. 'They had no justification for what they were saying.'

The host said he could have filled the MA's petition three times over. He actually planned to have his own petition for regulars who back the pub before the MA campaign was launched.

l To join the MA's campaign, download a poster and petition form from www.morningadvertiser.co.uk and when you've collected enough signatures, post it to the address on page 16. Remember to include your pub's name and address.