Pub group Mitchells & Butlers have been hit with a £2.5k fine after failing to obtain permission to erect a large advertising board outside a Toby Carvery in Hoole Village, Chester.
According to Town and Country (Control of Advertisements) Regulations, businesses displaying banners or signs of over 1.55 square meters to advertise deals or promotions must first gain permission from their local authority. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £2.5k.
Mitchells & Butlers applied for advertising consent in December 2007, but were later refused. However, the Hoole Village Toby Carvery ignored the ruling and erected two signs, one at the front of the pub promoting their single course carvery for £5, and another at a nearby roundabout, advertising a deal at the Innkeepers Lodge.
A city council spokesman said: "Both signs were considered prejudicial to the visual amenity and would have a detrimental impact on the openness and character of the locality. There is enough signage for the pub already."
Chester City Council subsequently sent the Toby Carvery three letters requesting the removal of the sign, but by April the signs were still there. Mitchells and Butlers turned up in court without legal representation earlier this month to plead guilty to charges.
A spokesman for Mitchells & Butlers said: “These signs have now been removed and we are fully compliant with local regulations.”
As BigHospitality reported last month, establishments should be careful when erecting banners and signs to gain permission for each one from their local authority. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £2.5k.