A pub has been refused a late night licence for Regatta weekend because of concerns about public nuisance following complaints about antisocial behaviour during FolkWeek.

The Black Horse in Fore Street was planning to provide music and serve drinks until 1.30am on Sunday morning this weekend.

Lynnette Helmer, landlady of the Black Horse, said: “They’ve spoiled Regatta weekend. It could have been a very nice time with good weather again. I don’t think it would have created a nuisance.”

But one of the complainants said: “It’s a victory for common sense after what went on during FolkWeek, when they were all over the road and drinking outside the licensed area.

“The pub is not big enough or in the right place for something like this.”

East Devon District Council confirmed there had been ‘several complaints’ following reports of crowds drinking outside, altercations in the street and people urinating in alleyways.

The pub had late hours for every night of FolkWeek except one.

But Mrs Helmer said: “It won’t deter me from going for a late licence again.”

She is already in discussion with the pub’s owners, Enterprise Inns, about alterations to the pub and soundproofing. She wants to fill a gap left by the closure of Carinas nightclub.

“The sheer numbers turning up showed there is a clear interest in a late bar here. Ninety per cent of the people were locals,” she said. “I can see no reason why they would turn it down.”

She added: “It would not only be a good business move, it would be a good community move, for the people of the town.”

People took to social media to air their opinions. Briony Mortimore, 37, Sidmouth said: “Already since Carinas closed the town has been noticeably quieter in the evenings.”

Matt Channing, 34, of Colaton Raleigh, said: “Let’s all support a business that wants to do something for the younger generation.”

Environmental Health officers objected to the late night licence ‘on the grounds of anticipated public nuisance’.

A spokesman for EDDC said: “We consider that there are improvements that the premises can make to reduce the potential for affecting the local community and that these should be made before any further hours extensions are granted.”