A HEREFORD pub has come under fire for its controversial new dress code as it tries to crack down on misbehaving "chavs or roadmen".

Landlord Brian Hoyle, who runs The Orange Tree in Hereford, has barred customers wearing hoodies, tracksuits, bum bags and Stone Island clothing from his boozer.

Hereford Times: The Orange Tree in King Street, Hereford, is banning people who wear tracksuits, hoodies or Stone Island-branded clothes The Orange Tree in King Street, Hereford, is banning people who wear tracksuits, hoodies or Stone Island-branded clothes

He has also banned under 21's from the city centre pub at weekends due to youngsters causing trouble who were "unable to handle their booze".

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Earlier this week, the decision caused anger among Hereford's young community who accused the owner of prejudice and age discrimination as he tried to clamp down on "chavs or roadmen" who did not know how to behave.

What is a chav?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines chav as "an insulting word for someone, usually a young person, whose way of dressing, speaking, and behaving is thought to show their lack of education and low social class".

But the explanation from Urban Dictionary, a crowdsourced online dictionary for slang words and phrases, paints a more defined picture.

One definition said chavs can often be found close to fast food outlets or late night shops.

They are often seen to be wearing fake Burberry caps, the definition said, and athletic clothing – despite "not being renowned for athletic abilities".

Stereotypically, chavs also cause a nuisance and pretend to be "hard" or tough.

What is a roadman?

Looking back to the Cambridge Dictionary, a roadman used to be defined as "a man whose job is to repair or care for roads".

But more recently, it has taken on a new meaning.

The definition says: "Someone, usually a young man, who spends a lot of time on the streets and may use or sell drugs, or cause trouble."

The top definition on Urban Dictionary says a roadman is the "brother species" to the chav.

"A roadman's true love is the iconic North Face black puffer jacket paired with some Nike sweats and Air Max 97s.

"Chav girls love to date the roadman who acts the most hard."

"Uses phrases such as 'safe 1 my g' and 'innit bruv' (sic)."

Hereford Times: A black North Face puffer jacket, which roadmen are said to wear A black North Face puffer jacket, which roadmen are said to wear

Other definitions say roadmen can be seen wearing tracksuit bottoms with a bomber jacket, riding on bikes and being aggressive or using intimidating behaviour.

Some other definition reference use or dealing of illegal drugs, and being in possession of a bum bag.

What did the landlord actually say?

Mr Hoyle defended his decision and said it was part of his mission to make The Orange Tree a "proper" Hereford pub again.

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He added: "The youngsters don't know how to handle themselves in a pub.

"A lot of them turned 18 during lockdown and are just misbehaving to be fair, and putting off other customers.

"There's probably people in their 40s or 50s who wear it (Stone Island and sportswear), but I'm trying to make a statement.

"It's those sort of young ones who are causing trouble.

"There's a lot of young chavs, or roadmen, with bum bags in Hereford, if you know what I mean, been frequenting the pub and they don't know how to behave."