SOME might say that "pints mean prizes" at The Last Drop Inn after bosses awarded a stalwart drinker with a company coat to recognise his dedication to daily drinking.

But manager Dave Morgan insists that customer Charlie Schofield has taken the word "regular" to new extremes to win a natty York Brewery fleece.

The Aussie landlord, who runs the Colliergate pub with wife Elaine, 23, said Charlie had visited practically every afternoon since the doors were first opened almost four years ago.

With typical Antipodean understatement he said Charlie was a "good customer". Praise indeed for a man that has probably spent more hours in the building than most staff.

"He's the cheekiest so-and-so you will come across and he has been trying to get a fleece from Tony Thomson (York Brewery's boss) for ages. Finally he has given in," said Dave.

But not without trying to recoup the cost (some £20 with staff discount) in free publicity, eh Tony? We heard that the fleece was not allowed to change hands without a photograph to capture the moment.

As you can see here, Bar Talk, as ever, is happy to oblige. The beers are on you next time Tony. Cheers.

LAUGH? We nearly dropped our pint.

The York Comedy Festival was launched last year with hilarious consequences. And it is back, promising more mirth and longer opening hours, which certainly puts a smile on the crumpled visage of Bar Talk.

For the duration of this year's festival late licenses will be granted to all York pubs and bars who apply to city authorities.

Festival organisers hope that as many venues as possible will join in with the celebrations by applying for extra drinking time.

The 2004 Comedy Festival takes place between June 5 and 12 and will see some of Britain's best comedians perform throughout York.

Tom Sharp, festival spokesman, said: "We are delighted that the city magistrates are supporting the York Comedy Festival in this way.

"Lots of pubs and bars are hosting comedy events and the extra drinking time will make the festival atmosphere even better."

Last year the third floor of Kennedys in Little Stonegate was the official festival bar. Special cocktails were even created to salute the funny men and women both on stage and off.

Many other pubs hosted events, including Harkers, which hosted the National Talent Hunt, Casa and York Brewery.

Strangely, however, both the Ha! Ha! Bar and It's A Scream failed to get involved. For more information on the York Comedy Festival visit www.yorkcomedy.com or call (01904) 652101.

Updated: 09:48 Saturday, March 27, 2004