Thousands sign petition after BII Licensees of the Year express fears flats will close pub
Concerns about the future of the 150-year-old pub have been sparked after local developers Birmingham Properties Group applied to build 50 flats nearby.
Keith Marsden told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser: “The Prince of Wales is all about its beer garden and it simply wouldn’t be viable without it. It’s not about live music-having a large number of people enjoying themselves is naturally noisy.
“We’re a wet-led pub and people come to the pub for a big night out on a Friday and Saturday. Even if we end up having to close the beer garden an hour early that could change the whole feel of the place and really cost us a lot of money. There’s a long history in this area of pubs struggling with this problem, and the residents win every time. We need to shift the balance of power away from residents.”
Marsden added that he was extremely pleased with the reaction to the petition, which has attracted over 10,000 signatures in just two days.
A public meeting will be held at the pub on Tuesday. The PMA approached Birmingham Properties Group for comment but is still waiting for a response. However, managing director John Tebbutt told the Birmingham Mail that he does not want to the Prince of Wales close and the group is investing in increased sound insulation.
The husband-and-wife team won the prestigious award, which recognises the country’s top licensees, earlier this year and were commended by judges for their passion and the innovation they’d shown at the Prince of Wales, which is renowned for its tiki cocktail bar, Cuban cigar hut and cocktail menu.
Adam Regan, who signed the online petition, wrote: “We have lost too many cultural landmarks to this kind of development and it’s time the council planners recognised what makes this city ticks.”
