03 May 2023 , 14:40
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A pub which came under fire for displaying offensive dolls has closed after a boycott by suppliers.
Police swooped on the White Hart in Grays, Essex on April 4 after receiving a hate crime report from a member of the public about the racist dolls hung up around the bar.
After the items were seized by officers, landlady Benice Ryley vowed to defy the authorities' wishes and said she would place more of the dolls on display.
She also put a sign on the door of the pub which read: "We have golly dolls displayed inside on our shelves. If you feel offended. Please do not enter."
Police swooped on the White Hart in Grays, Essex on April 4 after receiving a hate crime report over offensive dolls (Benice Ryley / SWNS)No outcome has been heard of the police investigation into the hate crime report.
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The building was targeted by vandalism in the aftermath of the incident, with five windows damaged and graffiti reportedly left outside.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) also said the pub would no longer be an entry in their Good Beer Guide and that it was "baffling that any pub would choose to discriminate against customers".
Following a boycott by brewers and firms servicing the site, Benice and her husband Chris revealed yesterday evening that they would now be retiring and the pub would be closing.
Heineken and Carlsberg had earlier confirmed they stopped supplying their beverages to the premises, while maintenance company Innserve also refused to take on any new jobs at the location.
Confirming the closure, Benice told Thurrock NubNews that felt she had "had enough" following the pull-outs and public reaction to the dolls and said she was "annoyed and upset" at the pressure on her.
She also criticised the police for their response, who she said has "ruined us" and "ruined our name".