A BRIDPORT pub is now accepting payment in euros in a bid to cater to continental tourists.

The Bridport Arms in West Bay has become the first Palmers Brewery pub to accept payment in European currency for pints of real ale.

A company spokesman said the move ‘recognises the record-breaking high numbers of German and Dutch tourists visiting West Dorset this summer’.

The seaside watering hole is selling pints of Dorset Gold and Palmers’ IPA beer for 3.90 euros and 3.60 euros respectively, or at £3.35 and £3.10.

Payment will be accepted in euros, during the August bank holiday fortnight between August 23 and September 5, which Palmers claims is traditionally the busiest time of year for the tiny harbour resort.

Bridport Arms licensee Jenny Connolly said: “We get so many people asking if they can pay in euros, especially the Dutch and Germans, that I decided to join the Eurozone temporarily. I can’t think of a better way to build on the traditional West Dorset welcome than showing our continental neighbours that we value their custom in any currency.

“West Bay has been a harbour since the 13th century, so it has a long history of welcoming people from abroad.”

South West Tourism records reveal that the total number of visits made by Germans to Dorset has nearly doubled in recent years – leaping from 34,000 in 2008 to 60,000 in 2009.

Palmers’ Tenanted Trade Director Tim Woodrow said: “We hope we get the chance to say ‘bienvenue’ and ‘guten abend’ to many more international visitors who can enjoy a pint of Palmers’ beer whether they pay in euros or Sterling.”