A COUNCILLOR who vehemently opposed a 1,000-capacity pop-up pub next to Leisure World messaged organisers on social media calling them “faux scum” hours after their alcohol licence application was rejected.

Screenshots seen by the Gazette show Liberal Democrat councillor Sam McCarthy contacted the Molly O’Reilly’s Irish Fun Pub Instagram account with a message reading: “Thank god you’re gone you faux scum.”

Mr McCarthy, who has represented Shrub End ward since 2019, said he found the event “offensive and puerile” and refused to apologise for sending the message after a council sub-committee rejected Live Tour Promotions’ alcohol licence application on Monday.

Ready – the marquee was ready to be set up on the same day the pop-up pub's alcohol licence was declinedReady – the marquee was ready to be set up on the same day the pop-up pub's alcohol licence was declined (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest) He argued the way the pub was marketed stereotyped Irish people and would be detrimental to nearby pubs and businesses.

He said: “I am a proud Colcestrian who supports local business and local trade.

“I am also an Irish citizen who finds faux Irish bars offensive and puerile.

“I am grateful that the 100-plus objectors were listened to.”

He also took aim at social media posts from the Molly O’Reilly’s account which he said encouraged ‘splitting the G’ – a term given to a challenge which involves swallowing about 150ml of Guinness in one gulp.

He continued: “‘Splitting the G’ and drinking 11 pints in an hour is not what the Irish do.”

Message – Sam McCarthy sent the message on Monday evening, hours after the sub-committee rejected an alcohol licence for the fun pubMessage – Sam McCarthy sent the message on Monday evening, hours after the sub-committee rejected an alcohol licence for the fun pub (Image: Supplied) Director of Live Tour Promotions, Luke Betts, said the message reduced a member of staff overseeing the social media accounts to tears.

He said: “We were sat there dealing with customers.

“We are trying to be respectful to councillors and then a member of staff logs into a social media account to try and help get back to people.

"To be called scum… I have no comment.”

Elected – Sam McCarthy has been a councillor for Shrub End since 2019Elected – Sam McCarthy has been a councillor for Shrub End since 2019 (Image: Steve Brading) Leader of the Colchester Liberal Democrats, Martin Goss, told the Gazette he will look into the issue.

He said: “I’ve been made aware of the comments and will be reviewing the matter.

“I cannot condone the use of such language.”

Before the alcohol licence application was rejected by the council’s licencing committee Molly O’Reilly’s had prepared for opening on Friday, December 6.

A separate site in Milton Keynes has been approved.