New hope for The Marksman pub

A notorious West Bromwich pub which caused controversy by selling the cheapest pints in the country is poised to reopen under new management.

The Marksman in Carters Green is undergoing a transformation and the new leaseholders say they are looking to turn the pub's reputation around.

But they will retain the name of the infamous spot, which hit headlines around the country when it began selling pints for just 89p and giving away free spirits.

Manager Nagman Aftab said: "There used to be a lot of trouble at this pub because they offered cheap drinks.

"Our number one aim is safety and security. We're working with someone from Pubwatch at the police, who specialises in turning around places with a history of trouble.

"We don't have a fixed date but we will reopen the pub in the next few months.

"We will be keeping the same name and hope we can turn it around."

The pub has been boarded up since May since previous owner Belal Hussain's company, The Millionaires' Club, went into administration.

The venue had come under fire from police and council bosses during Mr Hussain's time in charge.

The new leaseholders have already refitted the building next to the Marksman, opening a Caribbean restaurant called Nice and Spicy, last Friday.

Mr Aftab said: "We want a good family atmosphere in both and we want to be creating jobs locally.

"We don't know how many yet, but that will depend how busy we get."

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell's licensing chief, said: "It will be great if they are going to be responsible licensees.

"They've got to turn the clientele around by not selling the beer too cheaply.

"It will be useful to work with police to keep out troublemakers.

"Let's hope they can turn it around."