Two examples today, here and here, of officious local councils making pubs remove A-boards advertising their services. One is a pub in a market town set in a narrow street off the high street, the other is set back from the road in a rural area. In both cases, the presence of an A-board advertising that food is available will bring in a lot of customers who otherwise would pass by. For many rural pubs in particular, an A-board is a vital sign that they are open and trading.
So, at a time when the pub trade is struggling, busybody council officials are trying to kick them when they’re down. Despite all the noises about helping local businesses, the practical reality so often seems to be the complete opposite.