Pubs flagged down ahead of the World Cup

Licensees in Tyne and Wear are being targeted by authorities demanding they take down World Cup flags and bunting as they could be a fire hazard.

Publicans in the area have been told to take down World Cup paraphernalia, unless it is fireproof, or face closure.

Colin and Rosemarie Sydney, licensees at the Chesterfield, in Newcastle cannot understand why the problem has only emerged now. "We've never had this sort of notification in the past," said Colin. "Not at Christmas or St Patrick's day. This is the country's greatest event for many years, but there will always be someone who will come along and spoil it."

Colin added that the safety of his customers was paramount, but he thought the authorities were overreacting and picking on pubs. "I've been in the pub industry for 30 years and have never heard of anyone getting burnt by bunting, so why are publicans getting targeted?," he said. "What about shops? They have bunting too. It's totally unfair."

Rosemarie added: "Lots of the customers are angry about this as we've never had any problems before."

Michael Neilson, fire service group safety manager in Tyne and Wear, has instructed pubs and bars to fireproof their bunting and flags or face having them removed. He said: "We are not saying people can't put up bunting and certainly we want people to enjoy the World Cup, but we want them to be safe too.

"We encourage licensees to get their flags fire proofed and to have a great time. As long as they do it safely."