DRINKERS at a York pub have attacked a brewery's decision to ban music and TV from its outlets.

Customers at the Hansom Cab, in Market Street, said the move by owners Samuel Smith's Brewery of Tadcaster would destroy the atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.

The Evening Press revealed last night that many pubs owned by the brewery across York and North Yorkshire had been told to turn off the background music and juke boxes, and even switch off their TVs.

The brewery is refusing to say why the decision has been taken, or make any comment, but it is believed to be connected to plans by Phonographic Performance Ltd - the body which makes sure record companies receive loyalties -to increase the cost of licences.

The Hansom Cab landlord declined to comment, and told the paper it could not interview customers inside the pub, but drinkers entering and emerging from the premises were asked for their views.

They were generally very unhappy with the ban - although one, John Gray, said he had been told the pub had now been given a four-week reprieve, so that the rule need not come into force until after Christmas.

John, of Acomb, who drinks at the pub when in the city centre, said: "It's crazy. I'll still drink here but trade will fall. Students who come in on an evening want to play the juke box for the atmosphere."

"Storming" Norman King, of Leeman Road, York, said he was unhappy at the ban, and so were customers at another Samuel Smith's pub he frequented, the Trafalgar Bay in Nunnery Lane. "They are not very happy at all," he said.

"I like some background music - it's part of the atmosphere. I'd like to see it brought back." The Trafalgar Bay landlord declined to comment.

Rita Simpson and June Sworder, of Riccall, near Selby, said they would welcome the removal of TVs or loud, blaring music in a pub.

"But we like background music," said Rita.

Nineteen-year-old Rachel Houchin, from Doncaster, said: "It's stupid. I like music in a pub. It gives it more atmosphere."

Updated: 11:06 Saturday, December 04, 2004