A DEAL has been struck to prevent drinkers from taking their pints out of a popular village pub when they go out for a smoke.

Bosses at the Bay Horse in Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, were concerned that they could face closure if licensing officers visited and spotted just one rogue drinker breaking the rule, which prevents pints being taken outside after 10pm.

Gill Sherratt, the pub’s licensing representative, said customers did not want to leave their drinks unattended so they often smuggled them out under coats or in bags.

But pub managers are keen to co-operate with the borough council and have now offered to send out staff at least once an hour to check the system is not being flouted.

Signs will also be displayed prominently outside warning punters of the rules.

Councillors approved the change after being told it was likely the authority would lose a forthcoming appeal against the condition.