Controversial plans to close pubs early during Rugby World Cup scrapped

The council’s original plan of restricting entry to pubs after 10pm drew heated criticism from Fuller’s boss Jonathon Swaine, who described the measures as ‘Orwellian’ and ‘misleading.’

Under the revised plans, local police and council officers will gauge the number of people in the town centres and in pubs at each evening match, and will liaise with licensees to make decisions on people flow and safety. As a result, there will be no rigid deadlines for pubs in the area.

Licensees have welcomed the change in plans.

Fuller’s licensee Stuart Green, who runs the Cabbage Patch said: “We all want the same thing – a successful, safe and enjoyable time for visitors to the rugby, regulars in the pubs and local residents. Working in collaboration will allow us to share information quickly and easily so we can offer great hospitality while ensuring the pubs and transport links aren’t over overcrowded.”

Murray Laird from the Shack 68 agreed that the new proposals were ‘the best thing for everyone in the area.’

Councillor Pamela Fleming added: “Getting the licensing arrangements right is very important. It is a balancing act. Twickenham is not a ‘dry town’. We want everyone who comes to Rugby World Cup 2015 to enjoy themselves. But, we also want them to be safe and to be able to get home.

“The meeting showed how willing all organisations, and the publicans, are to working in partnership to make the Tournament a success. Together we have agreed an approach that we think will strike the right balance.”