THE first open air boxing contest in Essex has been postponed amid a wrangling over licencing.
The Rose & Crown in The Green, Writtle, was due to set up a ring, along with a bouncy castle and barbecue, for 18 amateur fighters from across the county tomorrow afternoon (June 7).
The charity event however will now take place next Saturday (June 14) after Chelmsford City Council stepped in.
While the pub has a full premises and events licence, it does not specify it can hold "specialist" sporting events.
Landlord Barry Long said the pub had lost in the region of £1,000 as he will have to re-book a bouncy castle and marque from another firm.
"It's another glitch in the law," said Mr Long.
"At the end of the day we are just trying to help the charities but instead it's just caused aggravation.
"Life is hard enough with the everyday running costs without this."
Event organiser Denise Coe, of the Eastern Counties Amateur Boxing Association, has submitted an emergency licence application to host boxing at the pub after making enquiries with Essex Police and the council.
"The council are more than happy now to change it to stipulate boxing," said Ms Coe.
"I have done lots of shows and I have never become aware of this before so now I will put out in the minutes to all the associations for all shows that they must make sure the licence includes boxing."
Ms Coe, of Basildon, said this event promised to be the first open air event in the county.
"I can't wait and I have had quite a lot of people ringing me up to box on this show," she said.
The event will take place between 2pm and 7pm.
Speaking to the Chronicle earlier this week Mr Long said it was up to the discretion of parents whether children attend, and added: "It's a new era for Writtle and everyone will welcome the much-needed extra revenue for the village and its shops."
