‘Racist’ pub sign sparks row

A village pub named “Labour in Vain” has become embroiled in a race row over its use of a sign showing a black boy being scrubbed in a bath by a white couple.

The sign was removed in 1994 but re-positioned in the pub’s beer garden in 2001 where it has remained.

Deemed “politically incorrect” by council chiefs, the controversial sign was first removed in 1994 when two schoolgirls launched a national campaign. However it was re-positioned in the pub’s beer garden by new licensees in 2001.

The Stafford and District Racial Equality Council (REC) asked for it to be removed from view, but the board has remained in place since.

The pub’s external signs have since been changed to be less controversial. Now the the owners of the 166-year-old pub are considering changing its name as well over fears it too could be considered racist. The pub was given its title in the mid-19th century, which local residents are now campaigning to retain saying it is part of their village’s heritage.

As reported by The Telegraph Diane Lander, who runs Yarnfield Post Office, said there was “strong opposition” to changing the pub’s name with a petition to keep it as the Labour in Vain so far attracting 300 signatures.

Pub regular Jimmy Cawdell, 56, said it was “political correctness gone mad”, adding: “We are too upset about offending people these days, even if it means sacrificing our pub heritage. Everybody is outraged. There is not one person who uses this pub that thinks the name or the sign is racist.”

Brewery Enterprise Inns, which now owns the pub, said it was looking to change the name once it reopens following a refurbishment, although no decision has been made.

A spokesman for the group said: “We are currently reviewing several options for this popular village pub with the aim of having it back open and trading at the heart of the Yarnfield community as soon as possible.”

The pub’s new imagery