- Rob Robinson owns Brew Bear Cafe in Evesham, Worcestershire
A cafe owner was left furious after he was told to take down a sign advertising pet euthanasia at home because it was causing ‘offence’.
Rob Robinson, who runs Brew Bear Cafe in Evesham, Worcestershire, said members of the local council came round demanding the sign was removed immediately.
He was initially reported to Evesham Town Council by a member of the public who was concerned about the content of the advert.
Mr Robinson, who also owns Evesham Vets, that his sign was advertising, maintains he followed the correct procedures for getting it approved.
He told the Evesham Journal: ‘We are a small business, and all small businesses find it hard to survive.
A cafe owner is furious after he was told to take down a sign advertising pet euthansia at home because it was causing ‘offence’
‘We followed procedure and the council had their chance to object, but they didn’t.
Mr Robinson added: ‘I was furious because I thought, is this what taxpayer’s money should go towards?
‘The people of Evesham are lovely and those who need to use our vet services appreciate us.
‘When most animals go over the rainbow bridge this method is used and in Britain people treat their pets like their children. This business was to help pet owners and vets.
‘It is mindboggling why there was any complaint and why the council ran in here.’
In response to the backlash against his sign, Mr Robinson posted a light-hearted TikTok video checking out the other ‘outdoor advertisements’ in Evesham.
In the clip, he said whilst looking at an advert for stairs: ‘This one causes me the most pain as I live in a bungalow.’
He added that he also found an advert for a nail salon ‘highly offensive’ as he had ‘no nails’.
Although the member of the public complained to Evesham Town Council about the euthanasia sign, the complaint was passed onto Wychavon Council who have responsibilty for pavement licences.
Evesham Town Council clerk Jo Adams confirmed that a member of the public had got in touch with the local authority about the sign outside the cafe.
She said there were concerns about there being ‘an advert for pet euthanasia sat alongside an advert for cakes’.
Ms Adams explained that Evesham Town Council has no authority for licensing and planning matters and therefore the complaint was passed onto the district council.
Rob Robinson, who runs Brew Bear Cafe in Evesham, Worcestershire, said members of the local council came round demanding the ‘offensive’ sign was removed immediately
Ian MacLeod, the director of planning and infrastrucure on Wychavon District Council, said that Mr Robinson was asked to remove the sign because although he was granted permission for street furniture, this did not cover the use of barriers or screens for advertising purposes.
He added that the council had recieved a complaint about the decision and that they were currently investigating to see if there had been any breach of planning regulations.
MailOnline has contacted Evesham Town Council and Wychavon District Council for further comment.
