English Nanny State Laws Set to Silence Pub Banter

Posted by Baylen on Apr. 2, 2008

barmaid.jpgAndy Capp is rolling in his grave, as new English anti-discrimination laws set to take effect on Sunday are keen on taking the banter out of the pub. The Morning Advertiser explains:

New discrimination laws to make employers liable for customers behaviour may make banter with the barmaid a thing of the past.

Landlords who allow sexist jokes or even words like “darling” or “love” at the bar could be taken before tribunal and handed unlimited fines.

Operators will need to show they have tried to combat sexual harassment of workers by customers if they are to guard against the risk of compensation claims.

Pubs have been advised to put up warning notices telling punters that staff harassment will not be tolerated.

Now, I’m all for bartenders feeling comfortable behind the bar. And that includes not taking any crap from the clientele. But I’ve never known a pushover bartender–male or female. They’re a hearty bunch, able to dish it even better than they take it.

But all that banter will be in the past, laments Tony Payne of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association. “[T]here has been rapport in the past,” he says, “you just can’t have it anymore.”

Rapport? Dead? In pubs? In England? Bloody sad, innit?

I have one question for Women and Equalities Minister Harriet Harman, the arse behind the rules. Harriet, love, can I get you a clue?

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  • roock
    San Francisco DUI Lawyer, Criminal Defense Attorney David Wise is a San Francisco Drunk Driving Lawyer, Criminal Defense Attorney, Marijuana Lawyer, Computer and Domestic Violence Attorney for San Mateo, Oakland, Hayward, Alameda, Marin and San Francisco.
  • chakde
    Personal Injury Lawyer Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience.
  • JabbaJaw
    You should check the nondisclosure agreement. That is also very interesting and attorneys are probably loving it.
  • Every employee, bartenders included, shouldn't take crap out of the clientele. We have our own rights, and if customers step on it, then it puts an end to the term "the customer is always right." Rules such as these are very important for bartenders as well as other employees to step up and live fairer.
  • It is only fair to uplift such laws in respect to women. After all, men should show how far we've gone from our savage, uneducated ancestors.
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