Smallest pub faces crackdown on drinkers

  

THE manager of one of Britain's smallest pubs has been forced to turn away customers because of a police crackdown on drinkers standing outside its doors.

The Nutshell, in Bury St Edmunds, which measures just over 110sq ft, claims to be the smallest pub in the country and has gained world-wide fame.

Because of its size, visitors to the tiny watering hole have on occasion spilled on to the pavement outside, something which in the past has been “overlooked” by police officers.

But pub manager Jack Burton said that since the smoking ban was introduced in July, police have warned the pub that all drinkers must stay indoors or risk being fined for drinking on the street.

Mr Burton has now been given no choice but to turn customers away from the pub when it is full, including people using mobility scooters which do not fit into the tiny bar.

“Although drinking outside pubs has never been allowed, the police have always been understanding because of the size of The Nutshell,” he said.

“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 since 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 Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said police had responded to a number of complaints regarding people from pubs, clubs and restaurants drinking on the streets because of the smoking ban.

“The Bury SNT is responding to public concern by enforcing the law,” 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.”