Man ordered to tear down ‘secret’ garden pub

A builder has been ordered to tear down a £6,000 ‘pub’ he built in his back garden after inspectors claimed he was illegally selling booze without a licence and had not gained planning permission for the structure.

As reported by the Metro, Carl Roberts, 49, built the ‘secret’ pub two years ago in his garden in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, spending £6,000 on its construction and decking it out with pub signs, bar stools, a pool table and even Sky Sports to entertain family and friends.

But the builder has been told to knock down the 10ft by 9ft shed, which he named ‘The Dick Inn’, after housing association inspectors claimed he was illegally selling alcohol on the premises.

Bromford Housing Association sent a team to inspect the building after a neighbour had a fire in their own shed. A letter sent by Bromford read: “Following our recent visit to your property to inspect the large building in the rear garden, it appears you have built a micro bar and it is apparent that this is not being used for personal use.”

Another letter from Worcestershire Regulatory Services said it had received information that alcohol had been sold on the premises, and warned Roberts that he could face up to six months in prison for selling alcohol without a licence.

Speaking to the paper, Roberts said: “The only things the pub has been used for are kid’s parties and the occasional barbecue. I’ve never had any complaints and no-one has ever had a problem with it before. The beer taps are all fake. We’ve got a fridge where we keep cans of beer but I’ve never charged anyone for anything.”

Roberts, has been given 28 days to demolish it or face legal further action. Roberts has said he will appeal the decision.