A pub in Devon has been closed for three days after its owner says he faced “harassment” from someone staying at a Traveler camp. He says the closure has been a financial “disaster” but fears staff and customers could be at risk if it opens.
The Maltings Taphouse & Bottle Shop in Newton Abbot has explained the reasons for its closure on social media. According to a report on Spotted Newton Abbot, the group set up camp in Osborne Park this weekend.
A photo on social media shows at least six caravans and a number of other vehicles. The site is owned by Teignbridge District Council and the green sign states: “Vehicles are prohibited from entering the park and may be removed without notice.”
On Tuesday evening (June 4), the owner of The Maltings, which overlooks the park, said they had previously closed the building following an altercation over travelers wanting to enter the building. The owner says he decided not to allow Travelers into the pub as he claims there were violent incidents when he allowed them in last year.
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Commenting on The Malting Taphouse’s Instagram page, the owner said: “As we are obviously right next to the park they want to use our toilets etc. Last year I didn’t see any reason to say no, I would do that I can’t turn anyone else down, so I wouldn’t do it to them.
“Unfortunately, that kindness was abused (broken glass was thrown at me, a customer was punched, kissed on the floor in the building). So this year I told them I didn’t want them in (for the reasons mentioned above. That immediately changed to one that pushed past me and went in anyway, held a camera in my face and just played games with me to intimidate/get a reaction.
“I can’t justify putting anyone in danger like this. It could easily get out of hand and I don’t have the resources to deal with it. Sorry to disappoint people, we’ll open as soon as possible.”
On Wednesday (June 5), a post on the pub’s social media pages said the pub would be closed again “due to harassment” and another post on Thursday (June 6) confirmed the pub would remain closed. In a further update on social media, the owner said the pub will be closed again this evening (June 7).
He says he has looked into bringing in security personnel, but claims “none of them want to deal with this situation.” After being closed for most of the week, he says it’s been “an absolute disaster financially.”
In an Instagram post he said: “I’m really sorry to let everyone down but we still can’t open. I have looked at the security staff but – understandably – none of them want to deal with this situation, which makes me even more convinced that closing is the right thing to do. I’ll keep updating tomorrow and Sunday. It is an absolute disaster for us financially. I hope to see you all again soon.
“PS I am considering organizing a community meeting for local residents in a few weeks to see what we can do to prevent this from happening again. The police and the council have their hands tied, but perhaps we can find solutions together. ” . Solidarity, Chris”.
DevonLive has contacted Teignbridge District Council and Devon & Cornwall Police for comment.
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