Bennett launches fresh St George's Day battle
by Ewan Turney
The pub trade's champion ofSt George's Day, licensee Tony Bennett, has had his application for extended hours on the day rejected by Norwich magistrates for the second year running.
Bennett, manager of the Greene King-owned Otter in Thorpe Marriott, Norwich, managed to get an extended licence for last year's celebrations only after great persistence and by running the day under the guise of a charitable event.
However, when he returned to Norwich magistrates court on Tuesday he was again refused an extension. Around 30 members of the English Democratic Party had gathered outside to offer support.
"It all went pear shaped," explained Bennett. "They wanted me to disguise it as a charitable event again but I refused. I raise money for charity all year round. This day is about celebrating being English on St George's Day."
According to Bennett, magistrates refused the extension because in the eyes of the law, St George's Day is not a special day.
"They told me if I did not have documentary evidence it was being celebrated either locally or nationally on a significant basis then they could not grant the extension," he said.
"Well, it is our national patron saint's day and that is significant enough. So, I am calling for everyone in the country to let me know what they are doing to celebrate. Then I will take the documentary evidence back to court."
Bennett is looking for a one-hour extension on 23 April when he will host a "Pulling Your Gloves Back on For England" party.
Currently he has three former English world boxing champions lined up to visit the pub Alan Minter, Charlie Magri and Dave Green with a fourth to be confirmed.
To contact Bennett with details of your St George's Day events phone 01603 260 455 or send him details to the Otter, 12 The Square, Drayton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR8 6XE.
