Last Post to look at extra security for next year’s Lib Day

For several years St Andrew’s only pub has arranged and paid for the road around it to be closed in order to host a street party.

Around 800 people came to the event which was among the largest on offer out of Town and featured live music acts all day, a food van as well as three outdoor bars and the kitchen indoors.

Ms Leslie has worked in the pub previously but took over as landlady in November.

She said the behaviour of certain people on Liberation Day has made her rethink the way the pub will put on the celebrations next year.

‘I knew people were bringing their own drinks around midday when they were coming to the bar buying tonic.

‘Initially I was concerned it would be under-age drinkers but it was families.

‘I found bottles of Jaegermeister (a strong herbal spirit), bottles of wine – expensive stuff.

‘There were tequila rose bottles in the ladies’ toilets which were an absolute disgrace.

‘It’s frustrating because the takings were less than they were last year but there were more people.

‘Ultimately, it was people taking advantage of the locals and regulars, the local people helped us out, as a community pub it really works which is why we take exception to people free-loading.

‘We may have to get extra security next year, which I don’t want to have to do,’ she said.

There were 12 members of staff working at the event.

Some of them had been cleaning throughout the early hours into yesterday afternoon to remove the rubbish and fix the damage.

Some people had thrown boxes of tea bags and other items into a vat ruining them.

There was also rubbish strewn around the pub.

Some staff had volunteered to work without pay to help Ms Leslie clear up but paid cleaners would have to be brought in.

‘It will cost around £500 to £600 for the clean up.

‘It was a lot of effort to break even,’ she said.