New bar blessed by priest

9:29am Wednesday 17th October 2007

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Most bar managers hire burly bouncers to ward off any unwanted trouble at their drinking dens.

But one entrepreneur has come up with a novel way of trying to keep his revellers safe - by having his business blessed by a priest.

Adam Burley, who recently opened The Oxygen cocktail bar in West Street, Brighton, called in Father Robert Fayers to perform the unusual task.

Father Robert, the Parish Priest for St Paul's, had another reason to carry out the blessing - his church is situated right across the street.

Mr Burley wanted to do everything he could to prevent trouble at his business, which is his first venture.

He said: "I felt like I needed the blessing because I wanted to do everything possible to make sure things go well.

"I was trying to think of all the different ways I could hoard off any trouble that might come here."

The bar is listed as a 'pre club venue', holds around 100 people and serves cocktails until 2am.

Mr Burley added: "I want to change the image of West Street. At the moment it's very commercial and impersonal. I want to create something small and intimate.

"We are going to use traditional recipes and make cocktails with proper natural fruit juices rather than cheap replacements. In that vein the purity and good luck of a blessing seemed right for the place."

Father Robert believes the task of unorthodox buildings is an important part of his job.

He said: "I think any new enterprise needs a bit of spiritual protection for success. The bar is now truly part of the community and will be protected by it."

The blessing involved a reading from the bible, some prayers and a sprinkling of Holy water.

Father Robert said: "I sprinkled Holy water wherever people would be in the bar. I hope it will bring a sense of peace to the place and I hope it means all that takes place there will be for the good.

"Blessings like this are important because they bring God into the everyday."

He admitted that some people may not think God has an obvious place propping up the bar of pubs and clubs in Sussex.

But Father Robert added: "It's important to remember that Jesus turned water into Holy wine. The church is there to enter into the fun of life.

"Some people have come to see the church as an austere and somewhat detached body, but its place in the community is as much about helping people enjoy the fun of life as it is to provide protection and aid."

Have you ever had your home or business blessed? Tell us about it below.