TWO pubs in Mexborough could not sell alcohol at the weekend – leading to some regular drinkers avoiding the town.

A ban imposed by Doncaster Council saw the Montagu Arms close all weekend and The Old Market Hall serving food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Hayley Venables, 18, of Thirlmere Court, said: “We went into Barnsley but would usually have gone for a drink in Mexborough first. They are the only pubs we go to. I am really surprised they had to shut down because every time I go in there they ask for ID.”

A spokesman for Wetherspoons, which owns The Old Market Hall, said they could not comment on finances but the ban would have had some effect on the business. He said the company recognised that two under-age people were served alcohol twice.

“We feel the pub is well run and takes any issue of under-age drinking seriously. But we completely disagree with the police tactics. It is entrapment, we don’t deny that it happens sometimes and we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

A spokesman for Punch Taverns, which owns the Montagu Arms, said: “It is our priority that our pubs operate responsibly, legally and are a credit to the communities they serve."