(no subject)
My Dad found this. It gave us a chuckle.
From the Hartford Courant today
British Pubs May Stay Open Round the Clock Now
Law Aimed At Last-Call Revels
Associated Pres
LONDON - Pubs, clubs, and other drinking establishments in England and Wales can apply to stay open 24 hours a day under new laws that went into effect Monday
Currently, many British drinkers imbibe as much as they can before pubs shut at 11 p.m. Heavy drinkers then all stumble into the streets at the same time, often leading to fights and other misbehavior. The government says the new laws will help curb the problem because people will drink in a more relaxed manner and leave at different times.
Although establishments can apply for the extended licenses starting Monday, the new hours won’t come into effect in England and Wales until November. Scotland is conducting its own review of licensing laws.
Opposition politicians and many newspapers have criticized the new regulations, saying that 24-hour drinking will at to Britain’s culture of boozy behavior.
But Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell defend the plans, saying few pubs are expected to open around the clock. Although licensed premises can apply to stay open for any time during the 24-hour period, local authorities can limit the hours if nearby residents or the police raise objections.
“We are not and never have promoted 24-hour drinking - that is a myth,” Jowell said. (I love that part. It sounds so American.). “We are promoting flexible hours to reduce violence at last orders.
“This will put a long needed end to the double madness of people gulping tow or three rounds of drinks to beat last orders and then all being chucked out at the same time,” she said.
Jowell said the new laws also give police more power to close down premises where the licensees are not complying with their conditions.
A recent poll by the British Beer and Pub Association (Hey, they have a Tea Council, why not a beer one?), which represents more than 30, 500 pubs and bars, found that none intended to open for 24-hours, the government said.
“The vast majority of people should be treated like the adults they are. It is ridiculous that the government should deny the entire population the right to drink after 11 p.m.,” Jowell said.
…[chuckle]
I need to play more D&D. New came, new ideas, need to find some new blood. Should start recruiting, yes we should. [dons recruitment hat and “Uncle Grock wants you to play more D&D’ sandwich board.]
It’s funny, even when I’m sick and can barley muster the will to speak, I can still be my usual-stupid-prick-self in writing. My hand was burned on the toaster oven. I must see ’Constantine’!!! Even if it is a total rape of the original canon, I don’t care!!!
I’m going to go read. Ta
EDIT: Please... please just... go here, to This Site and click on Enter Site