Outrage as popular pub imposes new rule banning drinking at the bar
A popular Wetherspoons pub has introduced a controversial rule banning customers from standing at the bar with their pints - leaving some regulars furious.
Pubs across Ireland were brimming with revellers over Christmas. The festive season saw crowds flocking to their local spots, where pints were raised and laughter echoed into the early hours.
For many, the pub is at the heart of their community, where people come together and catch up with friends, family and even strangers.
However, one pub in the UK has raised eyebrows by introducing a controversial new rule to manage the Christmas rush, sparking outrage among regulars.
A popular Wetherspoons pub in Essex has banned customers from standing at the bar with their pints. The move replaces the traditional "free-for-all" with a more structured system of queues, similar to those seen in supermarkets.
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A sign at The Roebuck in Rayleigh now reads: "No drinking at the bar. Once served, we kindly request that you move away from the bar area. Apologies for any inconvenience." Introduced at the start of December, the rule has sparked disbelief among drinkers, some of whom see it as a blow to the heart of the traditional pub experience, The Sun reports.
Alf Spencer, a 71-year-old retired builder and loyal customer, expressed his frustration, saying: "I used to stand at the bar, but now we’re told not to. It’s always been a nice way to enjoy a pint, chat with the bar staff and catch up with the locals. But I can see why they do it."
Social interaction at the bar is a key part of pub culture, with regulars often engaging in friendly conversations with staff and fellow drinkers.
One disappointed customer summed up the sentiment of many, saying: "I can't believe they've introduced this. Surely being stood at the bar is one of the joys of the British pub. First ridiculous queues and now this. Standing at the bar is part of what makes the great British pub experience what it is."
Despite the backlash, the manager of The Roebuck defended the decision, stating it was made purely for organisational purposes. With up to 500 customers visiting the pub during the busy Christmas period, the manager explained: "We need people to move from the bar when it's that busy. It's not health and safety. This is for service. It is an organisational thing."
While many remain unhappy, some customers, like 64-year-old scaffolder Micky Graham, understand the reasoning behind the rule. He said: "The issue is it gets confusing for people. It gets very busy here. And if there is a group of people just standing there at the bar. It's a problem.” While he accepts the change at this particular pub, he said he's uncertain whether it would work in smaller, local pubs.
This new policy, which is not enforced across all Wetherspoons pubs, is part of a broader trend in high-traffic establishments. Spokesperson for the company, Eddie Gershon, explained: "We leave it up to individual managers whether they choose to implement this rule. We have no issue with it."
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