In article ,
Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Dave Plowman (News) pretended :
More likely those who attempted to do so closed down. Most who liked
pubs and the culture don't want screaming kids around.

I've never been a serious drinker, but I've always enjoyed a pint or
two. I never drink at home, I would never dream of buying a few tins or
bottles in, its just not the same - not the same drink, not the same
atmosphere.

I think the closedown of pubs began before the smoking ban, the ban
just seemed to add to it. In part it was brewaries wanting too big a
profit from their pubs.

My favourite local pub had its heyday when run by a tenant and his wife.
Who also chose decent staff. Absolutely excellent home cooked food too -
but only at lunchtime. The dining room became a bar in the evenings and
weekends. Big pub too, but always busy.

When he retired (or whatever) the brewery put in a succession of managers.
Non of whom really understood that pub. Or knew how to choose suitable
staff. It's now a 'gastro' pub with absolutely no atmosphere or regulars.

I do like to see well behaved families in pubs, I don't like to see
kids running riot in them screaming - but that is down to the parents
and parents don't see control of their kids as any sort of priority
these days, unfortunately.

All kids like to make noise. Fine by me. But I'd rather not have that when
I want a chat with pals.

I don't feel the urge to vape, where smoking is banned, but for those
who want to it should be encouraged in moderation. The one good thing
to come out of this, is that most pubs now cater for food and some of
them quite good meals.

WE have a gazillion decent restaurants round here many struggling for
business. But a paucity of good old fashioned pubs. The only two left
within a reasonable distance now so packed as to be uncomfortable.

But given the ridiculous property prices I can see why it can make sense
to convert them to housing.

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*Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.