 Tony Bennett rides off, promising to try to slay more dragons |
A patriotic pub landlord has won one round in his fight to raise the profile of St George's Day. Tony Bennett, 47, of the Otter pub in Drayton, Norfolk, has permission to open for an extra hour on 23 April.
But Norwich magistrates agreed because the pub would raise money for charity - not because they recognised the day as special in the eyes of the law.
Mr Bennett believes St George should have the same status as St Patrick's Day and American Independence Day.
"If you were to tell the Americans that they couldn't have Independence Day or the French they couldn't celebrate Bastille Day, you'd have a fight on your hands," he said.
 Supporters backing the landlord's St George campaign |
"It's time we stood up and fought for St George."
Mr Bennett said he has bar extensions for Chinese New Year and football matches without a problem.
On Monday he was given the go-ahead to open for an extra hour to midnight to celebrate the patron saint of England - only because he promised to hold charity auctions on the night.
Mr Bennett said the extension had been given for the wrong reasons.
"I'm pleased to have the licence but I haven't won the battle I was fighting for St George's Day," said Mr Bennett.
Mr Bennett said he would raise a petition to send to Tony Blair to get England's saint's day properly recognised as a national holiday.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
