Departing pub landlord reveals fears for future

HOSPITALITY CHANGES ARE THREAT TO BUSINESSES

- SARAH ELMES

THE landlord of a beautiful village pub on the edge of Dartmoor who will be pulling his last pint after almost two decades at the helm has a parting message for customers.

Stephen Earp, a Falklands veteran who served on HMS Ardent, which was bombed and sunk in the conflict, says his future is ‘uncertain’ after an ‘administration error’ led to his lease at The Royal Oak, in Meavy, not being renewed for the six years he has left until retirement.

The 59-year-old, who celebrates a big birthday milestone next month, is a ‘believer in fate’ and is excited about what comes next for the pub and also his future.

However, the former Royal Navy sailor, who lost 22 of his shipmates on board HMS Ardent in May 1982, has warned people to support their local boozer or face the very real prospect of losing it.

The dad-of-three says the cost of running a pub has ‘gone through the roof’ and, despite being proud of all he has achieved, fears, if more customers do not return as regulars, The Royal Oak and other much-loved establishments face troubling times ahead.

He said: “I have had some great times during the last 17 years, and I’ve met some fantastic customers who have become great friends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers who have supported me and my staff over the years.

“As you can imagine during my time at The Royal Oak, I have come in contact with some outstanding staff who have also become part of the Oak family. I do worry for the current staff, especially at this uncertain time, but hopefully the council will find a new tenant by the beginning of November and the staff’s jobs will be safe.”