The Village Inn in Coulsdon Road, Caterham-on-the-Hill, is making a fresh start following the review of its license last Monday, 19th June to tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour associated with the pub in recent years. The new restrictions on the license mean that drinks will not be served after 11pm, seven days a week; the pub must display 'Zero Tolerance Drugs Policy' signs; there must be hourly searches of the toilets to check for drug misuse and a license holder must be on the premises at all times during trading hours. The review also stated that CCTV should be installed, which Steve Kirk, the owner of the pub has already done. Steve also introduced an 'Over 21s only' policy after 6pm (except for families in the restaurant) on 1st May and has even made it a 'footie-free zone' to attract new customers who do not want to watch the screening of football matches while they are out for a drink.

Steve Kirk and his three business partners have spent £50,000 on transforming the pub and restaurant, which now has a new menu and a popular carvery on Sundays.

Steve said: "The license review was nerve-wracking but now it is over I am the most excited I have been in seven years here. We know the food is some of the best around and we have been getting such good comments from our customers. We hope word will soon get round that things have completely changed here and people will come in to see the place."