A councillor fears that a pub's healthy indoor atmosphere could spell trouble for the neighbours.

The Fox, on Bradford Road, Menston, has applied to Bradford Council to amend a condition of its licence agreement to allow people to drink outside the premises for longer.

The move is designed to allow smokers to take their drinks outside when clean air legislation, which comes into force in summer, prevents them from lighting up inside.

Councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Wharfedale) is afraid that the rules could result in noisy drinkers congregating in the grounds of the pub, much to the annoyance of people who live nearby.

He has written to residents inviting them to send comments to the licensing authority before the time for objections runs out on January 31.

The manager of the Fox, Anthony Bennell, said he was not expecting any problems with neighbours if the licence alteration was granted.

He said: "We have not had any complaints in the last 18 months since I have been there. People have to smoke somewhere."

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