Pub landlord responds to nuisance claim

A Norwich practice's claim that trade has been damaged by patients being subjected to 'foul and abusive behaviour' from the customers of a nearby pub, has been refuted by the publican.

David Foskett, managing partner of Moss and Leakey Opticians, claimed on-street drinking in front of the Gardeners Arms was 'loud, lewd and too frequently aggressive' and was putting customers off coming into his practice on match days (News, May 30).

However, the pub's owner, Philip Cutter has hit back at the claim his business is responsible for the practice's drop in trade: 'A tables and chairs licence has been held for my premises since 1996, and all council and police criteria have been met to allow for this licence,' he said. 'It was with this knowledge, that Mr Foskett purchased his practice opposite the pub five years ago.'