Sounds like the authorities - Police and Council being heavy handed and, as usual in these cases getting themselves unwanted publicity. In the process, the Magpie gets some very useful publicity.

I've been going to the Magpie for more than 20 years now and, IMO, they have maintained their high standards over that time. There are other good places for fish and chips in Whitby, but the Magpie stands with the best.