Raggy

Yes, you are right that we are only a small part of his customer base.

In Farlington, the TV that was removed was very small and unobtrusive but was greatly enjoyed by the racing syndicate that met there on Saturday afternoons (there are no less than 4 race horse training stables within a four mile radius. As The Blacksmiths Arms is a very small pub in a very small village (pop: 130) which is quite out of the way both the folkies and the racing punters together form a substantial part of the customer base. It is not somewhere that attracts passing trade, you make the effort to go there. Now, it is like the Marie Celeste with very few people going at all.

The Landlord now has his hands tied - the brewery are telling him to make money but are not letting him provide what his customers want. he has asked to be allowed to open all Saturday afternoon because a group of his punters would like that. But no, he's not allowed to do that either!

The Blacksmith's is but one pub in the equation so the impact on it is disproportionate. I fear that Sam's might close it rather than develop it although it has lost money for years (until the last two years.

Removing the tellys could be the straw that breaks the camel's back!