Council chiefs have ordered a host to remove an England flag from her pub - because the word "England" was written on it.
Sally Gooing was told that the wording meant the flag was technically classed as an advert and she would need planning permission for it.
She risked a £2,000 fine if she did not remove the flag.
Gooing, Admiral Taverns tenant of the British Arms in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, slammed the ruling as "ludicrous".It's ludicrous that we can't fly the flag of our own countrySally Gooing, Licensee of the British Arms.
She said her pub flies England flags all-year round but the council had received letters of complaint.
"It's ludicrous that we can't fly the flag of our own country," said the patriotic licensee, who had a party to celebrate St George's Day at the British Arms.
"It's a nonsense law."
England flags have now been removed from the pub.
East Northants council confirmed that planning permission would be needed as the flag is defined as an advert.