“Why would anyone want to close this place down? Look around you, there’s such a vibrant and friendly atmosphere here. It is truly baffling why anyone wants to shut down a community hub.”

Those are the words I overheard as I was enjoying a beer at The Marine Bar in Whitehead, County Antrim. I had been in the building no longer than five minutes, propped myself at the end of the bar and was beginning to savour a bottle of the exceptional Leann Folláin export stout by O’Hara’s Brewery when two people passed me, deep in conversation about the situation in which the pub currently finds itself.

Now, you probably need me to take a few steps back at this point and explain what’s happening.

The Marine has been a licensed premises for over 130 years and for me, there’s something romantic about a pub or inn which has an “Established” date beginning with 18-. It should be like a warm, inviting hug at the front door and I’m not only talking about the open fire warmth as you step inside.

Recently, a huge community campaign began after it emerged that the bar’s liquor licence — believed to be the first ever granted in Whitehead — would no longer be available, as it has to be moved under contract, leaving the Marine without a licence to serve alcohol. Why is this happening?

There was an agreement with a recent, previous owner to move the licence to a nearby off-licence but because of the Surrender Principle in order to continue trading, the bar needs a new licence. That means buying and transferring an existing licence from another pub which is closing down. However, under the rules of the Principle, other premises which sell alcohol in the area can object to the new licence application. Yes – that means other pubs and off-licences in Whitehead can, and have, objected to The Marine’s new licence application, despite its presence since the 1890s.

When The Marine’s plight made local headlines, I headed off to the pub once again to remind myself of all that is good about this coastal gem. Thirty seconds walk from the town’s train station, Saturday early evening entry and a local singer is just finishing his 2 hour slot. The fire glows in the corner and a Premier League game plays on the muted tv. I saunter up to the bar and am delighted to see bottles of O’Hara’s Leann Folláin extra stout in the fridge.

There are also bottles of O’Hara’s red ale and double IPA, as well as bottles from Rye River, but Leann Folláin is one of the best stouts in Ireland and an opportunity to sup in it a pub should never be passed by.

People are enjoying the music, there’s a lot of catch-up chat between mates and the friendly bar staff are busy. It’s only 7 o’clock but you know this place has probably been like this since early afternoon. As mentioned at the start, why would anyone want to close this down? There’s simply no logic to it.

You see, The Marine is more than a pub. That passer by was correct when he said it’s a community hub. It’s open seven days a week with live weekend music ranging from trad nights and cover bands to open mic sessions and dance DJ sets. Add in a monthly quiz night, a rowing club, a football club, a Scrabble club and more – you have a gem of a place that’s small but bursting at the seams with life.

Supporters say losing the licence would not only close a popular pub but would also end a piece of the town’s living history. I’m not from Whitehead but even an outsider like me understands its great significance and marvels at the incredible community spirit held firm within its walls.

A most poignant line comes from the late Paul Cole, an exceptional community volunteer who lived in Whitehead. Before his death in January he wrote, “The potential closure of The Marine is an act of community and cultural vandalism that would not be forgiven.” Paul, Sir, you nailed it.

Let’s hope common sense prevails and the two objections to the new license are lifted.

#SaveTheMarine