John Barratt was a Newton & Ridley representative who served Alec and Bet Gilroy with a notice of forfeiture in 1990. Having refused to remain at the Rovers after it was done up and re-opened as "Yankees", a New York-style theme bar, and turned down the tenancy of the dilapidated Quarryman's Rest, the Gilroys had faced eviction from the Rovers and closed it to the public in protest. When Barratt knocked on the back door, the Gilroys were expecting someone from the national press to interview them about their battle against the brewery, and so he received a warm welcome. He immediately corrected their misapprehension, bluntly serving Alec and Bet with notice and informing them that brewery representatives would be there in the morning to reclaim the pub.