AFTER 12 years at the helm, licensees of the popular George pub have said goodbye to customers for the last time, after a dispute with the pub company that owns it.

Posting on The George’s Facebook page, licensee Susannah penned an open letter to customers, telling how the team had “come against financial difficulties” with pub group Punch – which owns the building – and had “made the decision to jump ship now before it gets even worse.”

In an emotional statement, she told customers how she was “currently standing in the middle of the pub reminiscing,” adding: “I want to thank each and every one of you for helping The George grow into such a successful pub and community hub.

“The parties, the weddings, the charity fundraisers, the beer festivals, the family fun days and the live music – not forgetting the fantastic food and beer!

“My team over the years – each of you – thank you. Lots of little chapters with various team members. You all played a part and you are all amazing!”

She paid tribute to the continuous support from the public: “We have created a lot of friendships and networking that will hopefully continue post George.

“From a personal level – I feel family, friends and sanity, mental health and well-being are far more important than a pub with an owner that just doesn’t care and the stress that comes with that.

“I know there will be financial implications but I’m ready to face them.”

Comments of support for the family flooded in, wishing Susannah and ex-husband Jason the “best of luck for whatever the future holds.”

Punch Pubs operations director Ed Passey said the group would continue to support their publicans.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone connected with the pub industry and as a business Punch continues to be fully committed to working in partnership with all of our publicans, including Susannah and Jason at The George in Alton,” he said.

“When the closure of pubs was announced, we immediately deferred the collection of rent and other charges for every one of our pubs and have adapted our support consistently.

“This includes further rent support to our tied pubs from July 4, starting at a 75 per cent concession for the first four weeks before tapering down each month into the Autumn and beyond.

“We wish Susannah and Jason all the best for the future and we are committed to securing the long-term future of this fantastic pub.”