Our Front Page Cover of the Cambs Times on Friday 23rd April 2010!!

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DEFIANT punters have started a protest against a brewery that turned off the beer taps. Shocked drinkers arrived at Chatteris’ Walk the Dog pub to find that Punch Taverns had withdrawn the pub’s licence to sell alcohol It said there had been “complaints about under-age drinking” but supporters accuse the company of “underhand tactics”. Nigel Marsh, who helps his sons Arron and Andre to run the pub, said: “We will be the dog that refuses to go down.” An argument has raged between Punch Taverns and Walk the Dog management since autumn 2009. Tim and Catherine Ablett put their “heart and soul” into the pub for years but were given an ultimatum by the landlords to pay an £8,000 debt, Mr Marsh says. At that point the ex-health club owner says he stepped in and negotiated for his sons to run the pub. But, according to Mr Marsh, Punch Taverns said they would not transfer the lease to new tenants until the old debt was settled. He says he reluctantly agreed to pay up but that Punch Taverns “cut all communications” thereafter. Mr Marsh says  there was a silent stand off between landlord and tenant throughout the winter as Arron and Andre learned the ropes, organising several strong promotions. Then Mr Marsh got a notice from Fenland District Council. It said: “We have been inundated with complaints that report underage drinking taking place.” Punch Taverns’ solicitors added in a letter:  “Although we understand there is an ongoing issue surrounding occupation of the premises, we write solely in connection with the licensing elements. “We are instructed Punch  Taverns no longer authorise licensable activity.” Mr Marsh believes Fenland District Council is being “misled” by the landlords. He said: “This is an underhand tactic to remove the  licence and obtain the lease back under their control.” Mr Marsh has invited Punch Taverns executives to come and discuss the problems. In the meantime pubgoers can buy soft  drinks or are invited to bring their own alcohol to the premises. A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns said: “We have become aware that the current operators of Walk the Dog do not  ave a valid lease agreement with Punch Taverns. “Fenland District Council has also made us aware of some serious issues, including underage drinking. “As premises  licence holder, we have a duty to protect our license and customers of the pub.”