Fury at ban on outdoor drinking

Drinking alcohol at tables along the riverside in Bewdley has been banned – with landlords now fearing they will lose thousands of pounds in takings.

Pubs have been told people can no longer sit outside and drink along Severnside North after a complaint from a resident. The complaint prompted an investigation of conditions of the licences of the pubs including The Mug House and The Cock and Magpie and found they did not permit alcoholic drinks to be consumed outside.

Drew Clifford, licensee of The Mug House, said today he could lose between £6,000 and £8,000 in takings during the forthcoming regatta weekend now he has been forced to keep all drinking indoors.

He said: "I just can't believe it. People used to love sitting outside having a pint and a cigarette.

"I have had my outside terrace for five years and there has been no problem. It will have a terrible effect on trade. We are just about to hit peak season and they do this.

"I understand that technically they are within their rights as apparently it's part of our licence but we have had the terrace for so long it seems wrong."

Mr Clifford said he had now been forced to take his chairs and tables indoors to stop people taking drinks outside otherwise he could have his licence taken away.

He added: "People want to go out for a smoke so how am I supposed to police this?"

Environmental health officer Mark Kay said: "There has been a complaint from a resident about noise and we looked at the licences of these pubs. The details state that they can't drink alcohol outside. They can have tables outside for people who want to sit outside and eat or have a cigarette.

"The council does not want to stop the cafe culture. They can apply for a new licence where people can drink outside. It does not affect cafes or fish and chip shops as they do not sell alcohol."

Pub-goer Darren Ellis said: "I have sat outside on Severnside North quite recently and had a pint. I can't believe these do-gooders want to ruin it for everyone."

Deputy mayor Derek Killingworth said: "I do feel sorry for Drew but there had been complaints about noise."