Licensee puts out sign begging for customers

Licensee Tim Gibson has made a desperate attempt to keep his pub open by putting up a notice begging for customers.

His pub, the Royal Oak in Blean Common between Canterbury and Whitstable, has a blackboard which states: "Wanted - customers! No experience needed as full training will be given. Please apply within."

"We're trying to do everything we can to get people in through the door," said Gibson.

"Even if it generates one drink it's worth it. "Chalk doesn't cost anything."

"We've got a small group of regulars who are very loyal but unfortunately it's not enough.

"Last night we only had two people in here from 6.30pm until close.

"The scaremongering about the economic crisis doesn't help because people are just not spending their money.

"This pub has always struggled with regular custom from the village.

"We make extra special effort to bring them in but it hasn't helped."

Gibson added: "It is inevitable that pubs are going to shut but the ones that survive will do all right.

"When our two nearest competitors closed recently we had roaring trade.

"Enterprise Inns who own the building are doing as much as they can to help me out but we'll only last a matter of months unless trade improves.