Fears for future of 'smallest pub'
The future of one of Britain's smallest pubs is under threat after a police crackdown on drinkers standing outside its doors.
The manger of the Nutshell, in Bury St Edmunds, which measures just over 110sq ft, claims police have changed their attitude since the smoking ban.
Jack Burton said since the ban was introduced police have warned the pub that all drinkers must stay indoors or risk being fined for drinking on the street.
He says he is being forced to turn customers away from the pub.
"Although drinking outside pubs has never been allowed, the police have always been understanding because of the size of The Nutshell," Burton told the East Anglian Daily Times.
"The number of customers going outside now has increased since the smoking ban because we do not have a garden and there is nowhere else for them to go.
"I have had to turn people away when the pub is really full, and I have had to tell a couple of regulars who use mobility scooters that they can no longer use the pub.
"Our customers do not like it and although they are complying, I have noticed a definite difference in trade over the past few weeks.
"I could understand it if there were loads of customers congregating outside the pub, but I don't think the odd one or two do any harm."
Sgt Stephen Henthorn, of the Bury St Edmunds police told the paper they were responding to a number of complaints regarding people from pubs, clubs and restaurants drinking on the streets because of the smoking ban.
He said: "It can be intimidating for residents and visitors in the town if there are large numbers of people drinking in the street. We are already receiving positive feedback for the work we are doing and the work that is being done in response to the complaints that have been received."
