As a proud Yorkshire-man I can't help but take a little joy from the story that emerged today where 105 pubs in North Yorkshire banned Prime Minister Gordon Brown from entering their boozers.
For a start it is just so obstinate - a word for which its dictionary definition: "characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude" could equally apply to the dictionary definition of a Yorkshire-man.
Secondly it is just so pointless. STAND (Stopping Trouble And Night-Time Disorder), a Pubwatch initiative in Skipton and Craven, have barred the PM because the smoking ban has caused “disruption and discomfort for customers”.
“The members of STAND feel that the damage being done to trade and our businesses is unacceptable and the smoking ban goes against the spirit of free enterprise,” chairman John Garton said.
I'm sure the genius' behind groups like Freedom2Choose will be puffing on their ciggies with even greater joy at this two fingers up to the PM. One can't help but feel that instead of putting so much effort into moaning about something that has already gone and actually putting in some effort to make pubs a better place for staff and customers alike then the pub industry might not be facing such a bleak winter.
Still I wouldn't fancy sipping a pint with our PM in the same pub - it is a place to relax rather than get angry - so maybe there is some sense in this ban after all.
Comments (1)
good morning. I have waited and waited for Gordon Brown to reply to my email. My son is in afghanistan, i dont have any rights for contact with him. I have pleaded that you can sort something out as I am a very worried concerned mother.
I am depressed, and have no way of knowing if he is alright. His wife has takem out a non molestation order so that Ihave no contact. Please will you arrange for this to be lifted while he is at war at least.
Regards. Ms Gaynor Smith
Posted by gaynor smith | December 11, 2009 11:41 AM
Posted on December 11, 2009 11:41