RULES are rules - as one soap star found on a recent trip to a Malvern bar while wearing a hat.

But while Shane Richie felt he should have been allowed to keep his flat cap on in Malvern Lounge, Abbey Road, it seems the majority of our readers do not agree.

Richie, well known as Eastenders' Alfie Moon, was hoping for a nightcap after a performance of Not Dead Enough at Malvern Theatres.

However, he was asked to remove his hat and took to Twitter to urge other touring companies to give the bar a miss. The tweet has since been deleted.

The bar's manager Matt Fletcher apologised to Richie but explained in a reply to a post on the bar's page that the rule was there for security reasons.

"No dress code, but we do ask no hats due to security reason.

"CCTV cannot pick up faces with hats on and if a situation arises we cannot identify them. So it's just to keep staff and customers safe."

Livi Butwell wrote on Facebook: "I was working there last night when all this happened.

"Nobody was embarrassed by us and would have been more than welcome to stay if he would have just taken his hat off. It was their choice to leave and his choice to create this huge overreaction."

On the Worcester News website, Casmal wrote: "I tend to agree with the comment that a rule is a rule and it should apply to all. Sounds like a rather silly rule, but if you don't like the rules of a place go elsewhere. Simple.

"I also wonder why he didn't just take his hat off once he got inside!!! What a fuss about nothing. If this had happened to any "ordinary" person it wouldn't be a story!

"Oh, and if it is a rule and the staff were applying it correctly I sincerely hope they don't get it in the neck from the manager! He should be supporting his staff for obeying orders!"

CandiceM said: "This is just good manners/etiquette for a gentleman to remove his hat indoors. He shouldn't need to be told."

Charlotte Cooper wrote on Facebook: "I've been to the Malvern lounge and the guys are lovely, this was a genuine misunderstanding that not only has been apologized for, a genuine attempt to rectify it was offered too.

"It actually shows someone's character here, Mr Ritchie could have graciously accepted the apology and moved on. "Besides there are more important things to worry about out and be reported on!"

Carl Hicks wrote: "Dress code is dress code! Just because he's famous, doesn't place him above the rules" while Jamie Kendrick added: "Why didn't he simply remove his hat?"

While there was little sympathy for Richie's predicament, some felt rules at Worcestershire's bars and clubs were particularly strict.

Al N Bex Rollinson said: "NO.....that just shows how stupid Worcester and Malvern pub clubs are.

"No entry with hats, trainers etc you have to be wearing shoes etc. You go to London,Bristol Manchester etc your allowed in wearing anything. What makes Worcestershire better than them places NOTHING!"

Michael Leighton added: "Pathetic it's called fashion and having a celebrity there would have brought in more customers good decision not hope people stay away !"

Jacqueline Job said: "Shocking! Nowt wrong with wearing a hat shame on you Malvern!"

And, of course, many readers lamented that Malvern Lounge's staff should have used Eastenders' landlady Peggy Mitchell's famous retort "Get outta my pub!"