Steve Hart said he will move on from the decision and make the pub into a family venue

AN estate pub licensee has today pledged to move on with other ideas after losing a bid to put on adult entertainers.

The Smock in Maidenhall Approach was denied permission for an adult entertainment licence at a hearing by Ipswich Borough Council’s licensing and regulatory committee yesterday.

Dozens of residents had objected to the plans, while several of the primary schools, children’s centres and high schools in the area also lodged their opposition to the proposed move.

Councillor Sandy Martin, who chaired the hearing, said the pub’s bid to open until 2.30am at weekends and host adult entertainment nights could pose a problem for people in the area and was likely to cause extra noise for nearby residents.

Roger Fern, chair of governors at Halifax Primary School, said: “I welcome this decision.

“It’s a neighbourhood pub trying very hard to become a community and a family-oriented pub and I wish them well in that.

“I think The Smock can make a contribution to the community without having to go down the road of adult entertainment.” Pub licensee Steve Hart was pleased an additional request to allow children in until 10pm during the week had been granted.

“At least we can move on and start doing food and get some more younger people in,” said Mr Hart.

“I’m still happy enough with everything, as long as the residents are happy as well.”