Adnams host is giventhe sack over pint ban
by Max Gosney Adnams tenant Nigel France has been given notice by the company for banning pint glasses at his Southwold pub. France got rid of pint measures and replaced them with 12oz half-pint glasses and two-pint pitchers at the King's Head pub. He said: "My reaction is of surprise and a little disappointment. I do find it amazing that a brewer can get into such a panic about pint measures." France introduced Continental-style glassware after tiring of beer spillage at his Suffolk pub. He refused to agree to Adnams' request to lift the ban claiming most customers preferred smaller glasses. Steve Manning, head of the Adnams' tied estate, said France's action had broken the conditions of his tenancy. He stressed that the pint measure was crucial to its role as a pub operator and cask-ale producer. But France remained defiant and will leave the pub later this year. Customers have rallied to his defence. Angela Clarson of Thaxted, Essex, said: "It's progress. Why not change? Lots of people visit Southwold from London and they like to find something a bit different." Graham Prince, from Northampton, said the smaller measures would not put him off the pub. But rival licensees in Suffolk have backed Adnams' decision to get tough over the ban. A spokesperson for the Randolph Hotel in Southwold branded France "very stupid" for his anti-pint stance. France has already caused controversy at the pub by banning children and vinegar he argued the smell of vinegar "blighted" the pub's atmosphere. He was also fined £12,000 in 1992 for serving beer in Continental-style glasses at a pub he ran in Slough. Who's right? Is Nigel France an unlucky pioneer or was Adnams right to dismiss him? Let us know your views by calling Max Gosney on 01293 610 234 or e-mailing max.gosney@william-reed.co.uk
