CUSTOMERS visiting The Barrel at Bude microbrewery better watch their manners and not use the ‘B’ word — Brexit that is!

On Friday, January 31, at 11pm Britain formally left the EU. However, since the original deadline of March 29, 2019, was delayed there has been a lot of discussions about the referendum results which divided the nation.

In response, microbrewery owner Ian O’Hare decided that the ‘B’ word should be banned — this was to be added to the current list of other banned words and items including mobile phones and saying ‘Christmas’ before December.

Ian said: “I have been imposing a fine since the beginning. To start with we banned phones, then when the Brexit situation grew we noticed our customers, no matter what side they were on, were getting a bit ‘argy bargy’ so we banned the ‘B’ word.”

The rule extends to all words associated with Britain taking its leave from the EU, including ‘Boris’.

Customers are asked to pay a £1 ‘fine’ for infringement of the rules. This money is then collected and given to charity.

Ian said: “All the money we raise goes into a charity pot. Our charity of the year is nominated by our customers and this year they chose the local youth group BLEND — the Bude youth collective.”

The previous year The Barrel at Bude supported local boy Corey Alway and thanks to the fine pot, and a number of other fundraising events, the team managed to raised an impressive amount. Ian said: “Last year we supported Corey and raised between £4,500 to £5,000. Every year we raise about £5,000 and it isn’t just from the fine pot, we hold other fundraisers throughout the year too.”

He added: “But customers are happy to pay their fines as it goes to a good cause. A lot of people especially like that we don’t allow phones as it means they can be present and part of the community while here.”

Ian says the ban will remain in force ‘until divisions have healed and both put aside their differences; about ten years I should think.’