Staff at The Bell in Clare claim they are owed wages

At its height around 30 people joined the protest group outside The Bell in the west Suffolk town on Sunday, where workers claim they have not been paid all of the wages that they are owed.

The pub had been closed since 2022, but reopened earlier this year in July when a new owner took it on.

Protestors outside the pub (Image: Submitted)

However, following its reopening, staff members, some of which are young people, are claiming they are owed money.

"I don't know what his long term business plan is. He has upset a lot of people that would use his pub," said one resident who attended the protest and who has asked not to be named.

Protestors at the pub on Sunday (Image: Submitted)

"People need to vote with their feet now - they need to decide where they want to spend their money.

"It's sad because a lot of the people working there wanted to stay permanently.

"I don't want any more kids working there - we need it publicised so people know." 

Another Clare community member told the East Anglian Daily Times: "It has just been a nightmare. Everyone was so pleased to get this new owner for The Bell.

"It's a small town, we don't need this."

The Bell in Clare reopened its doors on Wednesday, July 10, with a food menu launching on Monday, July 15. 

When the EADT contacted the owner of The Bell, he declined to comment.