BBC show producers hit ‘Peaky Blinders’ themed bar with legal warning

The series creators say the bar "has no authorisation to use the Peaky Blinders television brand"

A Peaky Blinders-themed has been issued a cease and desist notice by the producers of the BBC series.

The Peaky Blinders bar in Manchester, which opened last December, is a 1920s-style bar in which bartenders wear flat caps and braces similar to the ones worn by the TV show’s fictional British gangsters, the Shelbys. Elsewhere, the bar’s menu also nods to series – including an edible Tommy Shelby riding horse – and the venue displays murals depicting scenes from the series.

But the makers of the BAFTA award-winning 1920s drama have said that the bar in Peter Street “has no authorisation to use the Peaky Blinders television brand” [via BBC News].

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The bar owners said they “do not in any way intend on portraying ourselves as being affiliated with the show,” adding that they are fans of the series.

Peaky Blinders…

“We are a fan-based theme bar from the 1920s era. We base ourselves on the Peaky Blinders tradition of community spirit and togetherness with a feel good factor. We are trying to create that image and that image only.

“If we have offended anybody, that is not intended, and for that we apologise.”

Meanwhile, the producers of the show, which is made for the BBC by Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions, said: “The bar has no authorisation to use the Peaky Blinders television brand, and in line with our strategy to manage such infringements, the owners have been contacted with a legal notice to cease and desist.

“We work hard to protect the quality and authenticity of the Peaky Blinders brand and work only with approved partners to ensure that the show’s dedicated fanbase receive quality experiences and products befitting the high standards of the show.”

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According to the bar’s owners, both sides are in discussions about any necessary changes.

In other news, David Beckham recently announced a new clothing line collaboration with the Peaky Blinders brand.

“I’m a big fan of the show and our brand has always been about the look,” he told told The Guardian. “It keeps that authenticity.”

As for his love of the flatcap, the former footballer said: “I got that from my grandad. I wore his from a very young age. Brooklyn [Beckham, son] has taken it on as well.”

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