FESTIVAL revellers in Bishops Castle and the Clun Valley will no longer be allowed to take their drinks from local pubs into the street.

This follows a meeting between landlords, licensees and the police.

Representatives of Bishops Castle and Clun Valley Pub Watch met the licensing officer Police Sgt Adrian Wooley.

“We need the residents and visitors of Bishops Castle to know that we are no longer allowed to let our customers drink on our streets when taking part in our festivals,” said Darren Price, from the pub watch scheme.

“This means that any alcohol must not be taken outside of our establishments and that the public may not move from pub to pub with alcohol in their hand.

“It also means that people wishing to go outside for a cigarette on to the front of licensed premises are not permitted to take their drink with them.”

The rules allow a drink to be taken into a pub garden but not outside the area covered by the licence.

“We would ask our local community and visitors to assist us with this,” added Darren Price.

He added that this is a requirement made by the licensing officer and that landlords had to make sure that customers comply.

A pub landlord that does not follow the rules is at risk of penalties and this ultimately could result in the loss of a license and livelihood.

It has been a feature of some festivals and carnivals for people visiting some pubs to take their drinks outside.