Publicans Angry At Plans For World Cup Screening At Beer Festival

Have we stirred something up amongst the pub landlords of Harpenden? It seems that following a reference to the Harpenden Beer Festival showing the opening England game of the World Cup in the article ‘How’s Harpenden Hotting Up For The World Cup?’ that a row has broken out between Harpenden’s pubs and the organisers CAMRA, campaigners for real ale.

St Albans and Harpenden Review are stating this evening that many of the town’s pubs have taken down posters which they were previously displaying promoting the Beer Festival. The World Cup is seen as a cash cow for the town’s publicans, and this sort of distraction from them could have a devastating effect on their profits.

The decision to include screening the England vs USA match at the Beer Festival on 12 June is backed by Harpenden Town Council. They, along with CAMRA, who’s business it is to support pubs, are going to face a torrent of demands to overturn the decision to screen the match at The Beer Festival within The Public Halls.

What do you think? Have the publicans got the right to be put out by this decision? Or is there enough business to go round for everyone? Is the Town Council representing local businesses fairly in giving the screening the green light? Where will you be watching – pub or beer festival? Join the debate or start a campaign, here on harpendenpeople.