Credit crunch forces pub to close

The George, in George Street, Hailsham, has gone into administration and ceased trading.

Landlord Geoff Baker, 51, and his wife Sheila 49, took over the 15th century pub two-and-a-half years ago.

But the credit crunch has led to a drop in the numbers of customers.

Mr Baker said: 'With the economy as it is, people have not been coming in as they have done in the past and spending money

'There have been the same customers visiting but the frequncy of visits has dropped.

'The pub has just become untenable.

'We just cannot keep up with the costs.'

In January the Express revealed the Government's smoking ban had affected pubs in the area.

Mr Baker was one of a number of pub landlords who spoke out against the new law.

He believes the smoking ban eventually contributed to the closure of The George.

He said: 'The smoking ban affected things and we were 30 to 40 per cent down on our takings

'We put our heart and soul into The George.

'Customers are still phoning up to make reservations for lunch.

'They are all exceedingly sad and sorry.

'We are going to miss them and they are going to miss us.'

The George was the couple's first pub business venture but they had worked in the trade before.

Mr Baker did not know what he and his wife would do now.

He added: 'At the moment we are not sure what we are going to do next.

'We are just packing up here.'