No hiding place for the drinkers caught by Big Brother

FOR centuries the pub has been a sanctuary from the beady eye of The Boss, the family and The Misses.

So many drinkers will be distraught to discover that Big Brother has invaded one Macclesfield boozer...via the internet!

For the first time disgruntled employers and wives will be able to go ONLINE to spy on their absent husbands and workers as they sink pints in their local.

The Porter's Prince of Wales on Roe Street is believed to be the first pub in the country to install a web-camera behind the bar allowing web-users all over the world to tune into the antics of their drunken punters.

Online spies who click onto the Porter's website can even swap incriminating evidence about the regulars in a chatroom.

Assistant manageress Liz Grundy said: "Quite a lot of the punters love the idea of being seen in places all over the world and stand waving in front of the camera.

"Others are not so keen and try to hide from it.

"We have one girl who pops in every lunchtime for a pint and doesn't want her boyfriend to know. She is devastated.

"The camera has only been up a few days, the trick is not to tell your partner the web address!"

However, the Macclesfield Express has acquired evidence suggesting the website could be a elaborate ploy by Liz to provide her regulars with cast iron alibis.

Could it be designed to throw killjoys off the scent?

Liz has admitted the camera has a blind spot which means to online voyeurs the pub can look empty while just off screen regulars could be enjoying the mother of all drinking sessions.

She said: "I must admit the camera only sees half of the bar. It will catch you if you walk in through the back door but those who come in the front entrance are missed.

"People are catching onto where they can and can't be seen very quickly."

One punter, who wished to remain anonymous, was not so sure.

He said: "My wife is always calling me on my mobile to find out if I am in the pub so at least this way it might save me a few quid on my phone bill!"

To watch the regulars click on to www.portersprinceofwales.co.uk