Babergh District Council approved changes to the operation of The Swan Inn, in Lower Street, Stratford St Mary, during last week's licensing committee. Owners Mark and Sophie Dorber sought permission to host ‘a programme of cultural entertainment’ for the local community, including chamber music, literary festivals and art exhibitions. He said the permission to host new events was a ‘smokescreen for late-night drinking’, making public safety concerns worse. But most of the representations made to the authority were in favour of the licensing changes going ahead. Last June, The Swan Inn won a prestigious award for Mark and Sophie’s efforts to preserve its historical features after a major redevelopment.