ONE of the oldest pubs in the UK is facing closure as fans cry “people are trying to ruin it”.
The Ye Olde Black Bear in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, could shut after its licence was put under review.
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The boozer, which was established in 1308 and is thought to be the oldest in the county, reopened in July after a seven-year renovation.
But noise complaints from neighbours over live music have led the local borough council to hold a review into its licence.
Landlord Luke Haynes said cutting the pub’s ability to play live music would mean it was no longer financially viable and lead to closure, reports the BBC.
A Change.org online petition has been set up to save the pub from shutting, receiving 3,000 signatures.
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One signatory said: “It is a fantastic pub and crucial part of Tewkesbury – both past and present.
“Now we must also ensure it is part of the town’s future.”
Meanwhile, a second said: “This has been a pub since 1300s.
“Best thing that’s happened to Tewkesbury in years.”
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Others have shared their anger at the potential closure on Facebook, with one posting: “I can’t believe this. All the hard work and effort to restore this beautiful pub and people are trying to ruin it.”
A second added: “In a time where small businesses, the life blood of the economy are struggling, we have this?
“It’s absolutely staggering.”
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for clean and green environment, Councillor Sarah Hands, said complaints had been received about indoor and outdoor noise.
Ms Hands said: “Since the Black Bear reopened earlier this year, we have received complaints from residents living close by regarding noise levels from music both inside the premises and in the garden, and from patrons using the outside seating area.”
It comes as a number of UK pubs close their doors for good, but because of a turbulent economic backdrop.
Inflation still remains at 4.6%, meaning households are holding back from spending their cash at restaurants and pubs.
High wage and energy costs are further piling pressure on pub owners.
Last month, Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin said the business “continues to perform well”.
But the chain has closed 34 pubs in the last 18 months and has also put 27 more up for sale in the last year – 10 of which are under offer.
Stonegate, the group which runs Yate’s and Slug and Lettuce pubs, has also sparked fury by hiking the price of drinks from 5pm to 7pm to offset rising operational costs.
The “dynamic pricing” strategy has seen some punters charged £7.60 instead of £7.05 at peak times.
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