VILLAGERS have been rallying to support their pub after the landlords unexpectedly lost their licence to sell alcohol.
People in Market Overton have continued eating at the Black Bull even though they can buy only soft drinks or bring their own alcohol while publicans Kevin and Kristy Housley seek a new licence.
The couple discovered on on Friday last week that th
e company they leased the premises from, Ventra 18, had gone into liquidation in May and their licence had become void.
Mrs Housley, 36, said: "We are putting a brave face on it. The frustrating thing is that we have worked so hard.
"The locals have been very supportive. They have been coming in to eat and have an orange juice but people want to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal.
"They want their local pub and it is important to them."
Former IT worker Mrs Housley and her builder husband Kevin took on the the pub in July, 2008.
Since then they have refurbished it and built up a reputation for their food. They are also on Rutland Camra's real ale trail.
They are now negotiating a new lease with the building's owner Ventra 9, which was the parent company to Ventra 18.
They have applied to Rutland County Council for a new licence but this is not expected to come through until Tuesday, August 17. Until then they are only allowed to sell food and soft drinks.
They have been granted temporary licences to serve alcohol between Wednesday, and Sunday, August 8 and from Wednesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 15.
They estimate that they will lose between £16,000 and £20,000 before their permanent licence is approved.
Mr and Mrs Housley have thanked the county council for its support along with their customers, who have been bringing their own wine to eat with their meals.
The couple were serving between 200 and 300 meals a week before the licensing issue but this has dropped to between 30 to 60.
Mrs Housley said: "On Sunday afternoon I turned away 20 tables as people said they wouldn't
stop.
"I understand that if you want to stop out for a good afternoon, enjoy your meal and bring the family out."
Kevin Greasley, 50, of Berrybushes, Market Overton, uses the pub at least three times a week.
He said: "It kills the village if you've not got a pub.
"It seems stupid to me. That pub has had a licence for hundreds of years and now they won't let them serve because of red tape."
