Pubs At Motorway Service Stations...

[Gromit]

Surely a terrible idea?

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/20/first-motorway-pub-temptation-drivers-wetherspoon-m40-services

[sunny-dave]

What's the difference between that and a pub on any busy main road?

There are even books listing pubs 'just off the motorway'.

[jno]

it does sound rather bizarre. I suppose in real life it won't make a whole lot of difference, since there is no shortage of places near motorways for drivers to get drunk at. But I look forward (well, I don't really) to the first court case in which a drunk driver admitted to having topped up at the Hope and Champion before going out and killing someone.

[puternut]

I'm not sure about this one.

As the manager said on 'Breakfast' if someone wants alcohol its available in the M&S store in the same place - within a few feet.

And what if its a passenger who wants the drink and the driver acts responsibly??

[puternut]

PS same subject -

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/ChatterBank/Question1308942.html

[youngmafbog]

I totoally disagree with this.
There is a big difference between this and
1) M&S booze shelf, where you would have to sit an sip it in the car
2) Pubs where you have to make the effort to go find them.

This is right under your nose and evn if you have stopped for just a bite to eat (although who would want to do that in a Wetherspoos beats me) then the temptation is just going to be too much.

In my opinion even 1 pint is too much for motorway driving, sticking a pint under someones nose will tempt them and even if they stay within the law the risk is greatly increased especially at high speeds.

Ludicrous.

[Quizmonster]

I thought Eamonn Holmes made a total plonker of himself, shouting over his interviewee about this on Sky this morning. (Am I right in thinking he's a teetotaller?) As the Wetherspoon's person pointed out at the time and as is repeated above, anyone intent on getting piddled and driving could do so by stopping a few feet away and buying alcohol. Plus - also as stated above - other routes are awash with roadsided pubs anyway.

[joeluke]

Cue first headline 'Family of 4 die in collision with motorist who'd 'only had a couple' at Service Station pub'

[sunny-dave]

Surely in a 'free country' as espoused by ymb on many occasions there needs to be an element of individual responsibility?

I await with interest his response if the EUSSR bans this type of development :+)

[LazyGun]

I am not a fan of the idea, simply because I would have thought there were more than enough pubs just off motorways should someone want to stop, and I would not use a pub at a motorway service station myself, but - how is having a pub at a motorway service station substantially different from having pubs on A -roads etc?

And I am not sure about the proposed opening hours for serving alcohol - from 9am?

I think it will be a novelty thing. From what I could see of the background crowd, most seemed to be wanting to stuff their faces with a full english rather than a few beers ;)

[anotheoldgit]

A good idea for those travelling by coach, perhaps they should make it a coach passengers only pub?

But judging by Motorway Service Station's prices on top of the normal price of a pint, I cannot see many having more than one.

[ToraToraTora]

A bit hysterical gromit, there are pubs everywhere and most of them are on the side of a road of some description!

[jd_1984]

You forget that there are other passengers in a car, not just the driver. What about mini bus passengers, coach parties etc.... As a driver you have to be responsible, that in essence, hasnt changed because of a pub in a service station. If one really wnated a drink before getting behond the wheel, lets be honest, there is ample opportunity already

[keyplus90]

I am not bothered at all...................

[jd_1984]

My spelling was terrible then ^^^ !!

[jd_1984]

Personally I will not be anymore tempted to drink and drive because I see a Wetherspoon's at a service station, would you?

[Cloverjo]

The wetherspoons man is ridiculous. No one is ever intent on getting piddled and driving. Some people tend to think they can get away with one or two or more drinks and try their luck. Putting places like this under their noses is asking for trouble.
Also, saying they can easily get alcohol two feet away in M & S doesn't excuse it.
As I said on the other thread about this subject, buying a bottle of wine for when you get home is not the same as sitting down and being tempted to drink in a pub, while you have a long drive ahead of you.

[tamborine]

Bad location as its 20mins to Mway end & pubs are 5mins away.

Sensible Imbibers would have sober drivers at the wheel.

[Gromit]

Pubs At Motorway Service Stations - Surely a terrible idea?

Does seem hysterical to me. Just a straight forward question.
And you don't know my opinion yet.

[anotheoldgit]

It is like saying they should not sell booze at airports in case the Pilot pops in for a few before his flight.