Pub left mystified over licence review

A Bristol publican has been left angry and confused after being told he faces a licence review over noise complaints from neighbours.

Peter Olsen of the Foresters Arms, in Downend, Bristol, faces restrictions being placed on his licence or even having it revoked, as a result of the review.

Neighbours have complained to the council about late-night noise from the pub's beer garden. It is understood 31 complaints have been received since March.

But the licensee, who has been at the pub for five years, claims nothing has changed in that time.

"It's ridiculous. We were trying to work out what has changed, but the only thing we can see is that some of the houses are up for sale," he said.

"I think there's a bit of a hidden agenda with some of these complaints. That seems to be the only reason why they've upped the ante."

The pub has been given a 28 days notice period before the licence review takes place.

But the licensee says he has taken legal advice and is confident he can avoid serious action by the authorities.

He added: "Some of these people have never been in the pub and they are referring to our football team as louts, when they are respectable people.

"We are a welcoming community pub and last year raised £5,000 for the local children's hospice."

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: "The Foresters is subject to an ongoing licence review which was requested by the police.

"Therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further until the review is concluded."