Friday, March 10, 2006
Hereward Pub, Cambs
GRANNY Betty Willbraham was ordered to take off her rain hat in a pub — because it posed a security risk.
Betty, 82, was treated like a ‘hoodie’ yob and told to ditch her headgear if she wanted to be served.
Staff insisted everyone in the Hereward pub in Ely, Cambs, is asked to remove their hats so their faces are visible to CCTV cameras in the event of trouble.
Retired teacher Betty a member of the Women’s Institute for more than 40 years, had only popped in at lunchtime for a meal and half a pint of Guinness.
She said: “I’ve never heard of a hatless pub. How ridiculous.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever been asked to remove it — and I’ve been in that pub several times before.
“I’m of a generation who would always wear a hat for lunch.”
Licensee Tony Love said it was pub policy to ask people to remove their hats.
He added: “It’s to do with the CCTV.
“We cannot be seen to discriminate between the youths and the elderly. The world is changing.”
Lack of Common Sense Rating: 10.0
