Bognor Regis Herald — ALEX Pub closed — what happens now?
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One of the Town’s iconic landmarks, The Alex, at the top of the Precinct, appears suddenly to have closed its doors, from late this week.
There is no news of the landlady, Ellen, and her partner “Tiptop” who were resident.
They had taken over from the previous tenants after November 2015
According to our information, which is sketchy, it may well have been the same issue of rising rents and tied tenancy that has resulted in this closure. “With a free house, you are able to look for the best deal but, for example, the company that owns the Alex will always insist its people undertake maintenance work, such as cleaning of pumps, the charge can be £300 a time whereas a free house could get it done much cheaper. In the same way, the tenant has to use the firm’s accountant at a raised cost. Many in the trade think it’s scandalous and has been for years.”
Labour Town Councillor Jan Cosgrove says his eldest son is a ‘regular’ and feels it is an issue a new Labour Government must tackle. “Pubs like The Alex are key and popular social institutions, for many they provide a regular venue for meeting others, relaxing. Surely, they and their workers need better protection from a ruthless exploitation. We need to keep an eye on the situation, enough pubs have closed in the Town as it is.”
