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Vertical drinking ban opposed

A decision to block the drinks licence of a café bar because it failed to guarantee that customers would not stand as they drank has been pilloried in the Hull Daily Mail.

The paper has carried a stinging front page editorial and carried out a phone poll to see what the public think of the decision. Almost 90 per cent of 500 voters taking part agreed with the Mail’s stance.

The paper told how the previous licence had been revoked because it was granted on the understanding that people were only served drinks while seated at a table.

Editor John Meehan said in his front page piece: “Café Bar 1880’s crime was unusual to say the least.

“Its owners were found guilty of permitting the ‘crime’ of ‘vertical drinking’.

“When granted a licence, a bizarre condition was added, banning customers from drinking while standing up.

“Unfortunately, some people drank alcohol while standing, breaching the condition, despite the best efforts of staff to remind them of the rule.”

It said the condition had proved unworkable but the authorities had failed to recognise the need for common sense.

The police applied the letter of the law as part of its bid to cut the rising tide of alcohol-related crime in the city centre – and asked for the licence to be withdrawn. Magistrates followed suit and revoked the licence.

“We say the issue must be examined again. That is why we have launched a campaign to save Café Bar 1880 from closure,” the editorial said.

“If Hull is to truly be top 10 in deed, as in word, it must offer an attractive social environment.

“It needs variety and quality in its nightlife. It needs bars such as café Bar 1880.”

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