Old Town pubs bitter at Jack in the Green clampdown

Officers from Hastings Borough Council and the police met landlords earlier this week to discuss plans for the coming bank holiday.

And the main item on Tuesday's agenda was how to stop revellers blocking up George Street during the procession.

Licensees were told to hold back on putting tables and chair outside their pubs on Monday until after the bogies, Morris sides, drummers and pagans had marched by.

However, according to the head of the local victuallers association, this would eat into takings on what is traditionally one of the best days of the year for watering holes.

"Winter in Hastings is long and hard for a lot of local businesses and pubs are no different," said Joe O'Riordan. "It is days like Jack in the Green which help people make ends meet and we could do without the council and police making it more difficult.

"If people are not allowed to put up their tables outside beforehand, they won't be able to once the crowds have gathered and people's businesses will suffer."

Last year a string of George Street pubs saw the conditions of their licences changed, bringing an end to late-night outdoor drinking for many establishments.

And Mr O'Riordan said the ban on tables and chairs during Jack in the Green was typical of a council which he says is intent on changing the whole atmosphere in the Old Town.

"The Old Town is unique and part of that uniqueness is the pubs. They play a huge part in creating that environment and making the area so popular with visitors.

"The council wants to create a more cafe and restaurant culture and we are not seeing a level playing field."

He confirmed that having spoken to restaurant owners, they were fully intending to keep their tables outside throughout the weekend. And so local landlords have now vowed to do the same.

"I hope as many pubs as possible defy the ban," said Mr O'Riordan. "Pubs are an important part of Hastings and many of the Old Town ones have been here for 100 years.

"The council and police are slowly killing pubs. In ten years time I think the Old Town will sadly look very different."

Council spokesman Caroline Kelly denied the authority was being unreasonable, saying the ban on chairs and tables was for all businesses '“ not just pubs.

She said: "This is not an unreasonable request, it just helps keep the public safe and frees up space for the procession to pass through unhindered.

"Any breach to do with trading licences will be dealt with by us, while any problems to do with public order offences will be handled by the police.

"Jack in the Green is a popular and fun event and we are keen to make sure it goes off without drama or unnecessary problems."