English Nanny State Laws Set to Silence Pub Banter
Andy 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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