Real Ale Trail pubs bring in strict new rules

Licensees in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Slaithwaite, Mardesn, Huddersfield and Stalybridge have joined police and rail companies to draw up new policies to be introduced next month.

The rules will apply on Saturdays when Real Ale Trail Licensees (RATL) say the number of drinkers has become increasingly difficult to manage.

From June 15, the pubs will no longer serve any stag and hen parties or groups in fancy dress.

They have also agreed not to serve lager, shots or doubles to any customers on Saturdays.

A RATL spokeswoman said: “For four years the trail has been very popular, but recently we have realised that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with and can lead to problems for our staff and local customers.”

She said the rules had been agreed in an effort to reduce numbers slightly and get the trail back to its real ale roots.

“We all want the Ale Trail to continue and be enjoyed but not to the detriment of others such as bar staff, residents and the majority of the travelling public.”

The new rules are being supported by West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail.

The pubs signed up to the scheme are the West Riding in Dewsbury, Navigation Tavern in Mirfield, Riverhead in Marsden, Commercial in Slaithwaite, King’s Head in Huddersfield and Stalybridge Buffet Bar.