Prince of Wales pub in Sudbury pledges strict measures to combat anti-social behaviour after spate of night-time incidents outside business

The landlord of a pub in Sudbury has pledged to impose a series of stringent measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, following a spate of incidents outside his establishment.

The Prince of Wales in New Street reopened last month after the Government instructed that all pubs and restaurants should close in March to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Duncan Tuhey, who has run the pub for more than two decades, said he had noticed a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour outside his establishment at night.

“The problems aren’t occurring inside my pub,” he said. “But when people are coming and going.

“Unfortunately, these issues are having a detrimental impact on my regular customers, my staff and, most importantly, those who live in and around the pub.”

Mr Tuhey has attributed the problem to the reduced opening hours, which have been implemented at neighbouring establishments in the town.

“We were getting an influx of people and had wondered where they were coming from,” he said. “We weren’t aware that other places were closing early.”

Mr Tuhey said the recent problem had put a dampener on the pub’s efforts to revitalise the business, following a major refurbishment.

“I am really saddened by what I have seen,” he said. “During lockdown, we remained positive and made a big effort to ensure our regular customers had a nice and fresh new environment to return to.

“Unfortunately, the experience is being ruined by new customers who have been coming in and causing a nuisance outside.”

In a bid to manage the problem, Mr Tuhey has imposed a series of preventative measures at the business, including the installation of CCTV cameras, a life-time ban for any offenders found to have engaged in anti-social behaviour in or outside the pub, an over 21s policy on Friday and Saturday evenings, restricted entry times and security staff stationed at the pub entrance.

If anyone is found to have flouted the rules, Mr Tuhey said they would be captured on CCTV.

“They will help us to pin-point who they are,” added the 49-year-old.

Residents will receive a letter to inform them of all the actions being taken to tackle the issue, while signs reminding customers to be respectful of the community when entering and leaving the establishment have been installed at the business.

Mr Tuhey said he was disappointed to have had to enforce strict rules, but recognised the importance of addressing the problem.

“I don’t want to be a killjoy,” he said. “People should be able to come in to the pub with their friends, but they still need to appreciate the fact that this is a residential area.”

Expressing his optimism that the measures would prove effective, Mr Tuhey said it was vital that a collective community approach was adopted, including any incidents being reported.

“I really want to work with the residents,” he said. “We are a local pub and I’m hoping they will appreciate that and will help me because I’m here to help them as much as anything.”