Ban on pub signs to stop drink-driving

18 September, 2008

A Wiltshire Pub has been asked to remove its sgns from the roadside and this has sparked fears that this could start a precedent.

The Highways Agency have backed Wiltshire County Council to block signs that point drivers towards pubs.

The Black Dog in Chilmark has road signs advertising their presence and the business is built on passing trade, but recently Tom and Trisha Russell who run the pub have been ordered to remove them as its felt it is encouraging drink driving.

“ Our trade should be encouraged not penalised – we stand to lose 30 per cent of our business.” They said.

Jacqui Ashman, the local Highways Agency planning manager, said that the Black Dog's sign was “potentially providing the temptation to drink and drive”.

She added: “No alcohol is allowed to be served or consumed in service stations on motorways as a matter of principle and we would wish to continue this principle by not encouraging drivers to break their journey in a public house.”

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