Beer lovers playing an ancient pub game have been advised to stay on the wagon in case they breach a new law designed to curb binge drinking.
Competitors taking part in a "dwile flonking" contest at a pub in Ludham, Norfolk, on Saturday had been looking forward to downing pots of ale at speed as tradition dictates.
But a council has warned bosses at the Dog Inn that they could be in breach of the the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010 if they stick to the age-old rules of the game.
Dwile flonking traditionally involves players using a pole to hurl beer-soaked cloths at opponents then downing beer quickly as a penalty for missing.
North Norfolk District Council said the legislation, which came into effect in April, "It is now against the law to promote 'speed drinking', which is one of the elements of dwile flonking," said Chris Cawley, the council's environmental health manager.
"These new conditions on liquor licences ban games that encourage drinking alcohol in such a manner."
He added: "We try to do all we can to help licensed premises run successful businesses, not hinder them, but at the same time we and they have a duty to uphold the law."
The landlady, Mrs Clinch said players would adapt: "They'll drink squash and we'll give them tokens so they can drink the beer slowly afterwards. I suppose it will be the first non-alcoholic dwile flonking contest."
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