A Devon pub remains closed a week after the Traveler incident

A Devon pub has been closed for a week after an “appalling” incident involving a person believed to be staying at a Traveler camp. Police confirmed they were called to the scene.

Last Tuesday (June 4), The Maltings Taphouse and Bottle Shop in Newton Abbot closed earlier than usual following an incident in which a man from a group of travelers staying at Osborne Park was reported to have pushed past pub owner Chris Cutts after being refused permission. introduction.

Police were called and reportedly escorted the man out of the pub. A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Police received a report of a man being pushed by another man at a premises on Teign Road on June 4 at around 6.30pm.”

Chris claims that his decision not to allow Travelers into his premises was not based on discrimination, but rather on previous experiences with people from this particular group. It says it has allowed people staying at Osborne Park in 2023 to enter the pub and use facilities such as a toilet and free glasses of water. But he claims their kindness was “abused” and that customers were assaulted, supplies were stolen and some people defecated on the floor.

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As part of a lengthy statement on his website, Chris said: “In early June 2023, a group of travelers settled in Osborne Park, directly outside our door. At Taphouse, we strived to make them welcome – to treat our new neighbors the same way we treat everyone else.

“Our doors were open to them, including the ability to use our toilets, without expecting them to pay for us – as we would do for everyone else. The weather was warm and we provided them with complimentary glasses of ice and water upon request and served them as customers on several occasions.

“Unfortunately, our courtesy has been abused; customers have been attacked, merchandise has been stolen, people have defecated on the floor of our premises, our glassware has been smashed multiple times both inside and outside the premises, I have personally had broken glass thrown at me and my car.

“Following these incidents, when travelers re-arrived at Osborne Park on June 2 this year and I noticed several people I recognized from 2023, I have made the decision not to allow travelers to enter the Taphouse. I bolded this point because it is central to my decision-making.

“I hope everyone is aware that this is not about race, ethnicity or any other form of discrimination. “It’s about doing my job to protect the company, our staff and our customers.”

Speaking to DevonLive yesterday (June 10), Chris said: “I cannot risk an incident that could lead to our permanent closure or serious injury.

“Because no security company is interested in covering our doors, I don’t feel like I can protect customers or staff, especially after this initial confrontation. We are taking a huge financial hit, but we can recover from it, but if someone gets hurt.”

The Maltings Taphouse has remained closed since the incident last Tuesday, with the latest update being published this afternoon (June 11). A post on the pub’s Facebook page reads: ‘Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unfortunately closed this evening. We are very sorry to have disappointed you all!

“We truly appreciate all of your continued support and hope to welcome you back soon.”

On Sunday, June 2, a group of Travelers set up camp at Osborne Park, land owned by Teignbridge District Council. A sign in the park read: “Vehicles are prohibited from entering the park and may be removed without notice.”

On Wednesday 5 June, Teignbridge District Council issued a statement saying it was aware of the encampment and had commenced legal proceedings to relocate the group of travellers. Authorities said on Facebook: “We are aware of an unauthorized encampment at Osborne Park, Newton Abbot. We are following the appropriate legal process to remove this unauthorized encampment.”

DevonLive has contacted Teignbridge District Council for an update but has not received any response.