Brewery boss Humphrey Smith was appalled when he popped into The Fox & Goose and overheard a customer utter the ‘F’ word in October 2019.

He closed the pub – which had only been open for seven weeks – and the popular watering hole lay empty for almost three years.

Mr Smith, 76, who runs 300 pubs across the UK, has now agreed to reopen The Fox & Goose in Droitwich, Worcestershire, on the condition punters “keep it clean”.

New landlords Ana Hale-Askew and Alex Savage, who live above the pub, say anyone caught swearing will be asked to leave.

Alex, 68, said: “We are welcoming customers back, provided they curtail any foul language.

“If the pub gets closed, we will lose our home as well.

“I don’t want to be in that situation. I’ve got visions of running this place for a couple of years.

“We’ve told everyone to come in, enjoy a drink and have a laugh but for heaven’s sake keep it clean.”

The pair welcomed customers new and old back to the watering hole but warned: “Mr Smith’s rules still apply.”

The “zero tolerance” policy also includes a ban on using mobile phones or electronic tablets inside.

Those making or taking calls are expected to go outside to do so.

Searching Google or updating social media will also be in breach of the rules.

Children are also banned from entering the pub unless they are using the toilet.

Alex added: “It was the swearing that got us closed last time. We have had two complete trading weeks.

“Everybody that we have met who has come into the pub has been absolutely brilliant.

“A lot of that reputation was in the past and no longer justified. We’re open for business. Please show your faces and give the beer a try.

“To help us keep it open we need people to work with us and control their language.”

Ana, 22, added: ‘’We always have to keep our ear out for any bad language.

“We give people a gentle warning if they swear and then if they do it again they’re asked to leave.

“Thankfully it hasn’t happened very often since we’ve been here.

“One thing about running a Samuel Smith pub is that you follow the rules whatever they may be and that means no potty mouths.

“The customers are very glad the pub has reopened and we’re looking forward to getting to know the locals.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission