The owners of the Downs Hotel in Woodingdean have removed the pool table from the bar following complaints about swearing and noise.

In a public letter to their customers, Jim and Jo Farr say that ‘the majority of customers respect our premises and enjoy a game of pool quietly (but) there is the odd customer who feels they have to scream and shout and argue over the pool table.’ Mr and Mrs Farr point out that the hotel has guests and that they have received ‘negative feedback’ about the level of noise and swearing.

The letter goes on: ‘We have also had things broken such as chairs, toilets, windows etc... these things all have to be paid for, which takes the profit and more from the pool table.’ According to Mr and Mrs Farr: ‘Some regulars put beer mats in the pockets so the balls don’t go down so they don’t have to pay.’ Despite this, Mr and Mrs Farr say they do take on board the regulars’ comments and will consider returning the pool table in the future.