Pub at the M40 Services at Beaconsfield - good idea?

[Smudger]

At first when I heard about this, I thought it was a daft idea. But then, there's probably more non-drivers than drivers that go in these places, when you consider all the coaches and families on trips and that. Why should their choice be limited because of the geographical location?
Just because people can drink, doesn't mean they will.

What do other people think?

[Saracen]

Bad. There are enough places that pubs can be put without putting one at motorway services. And breweries have been closing them hand over fist.

Yes, people can still drink drive without using a motorway service station, but the message sent by this is exactly the wrong message. Personally, I'd be quite happy to see a zero tolerance attitude to ANY alcohol while driving, but then, I've seen directly the carnage selfish, idiot drink drivers can wreak on other innocent people's lives.

[Smudger]

Can you currently buy alcohol at those Welcome Break café things at service stations at present, or are they all dry. I'm asking out of ignorance, as I can't remember the last time I went in one.

[Dooms]

All for it. Everyone can get a pub lunch, non-drivers can drink, cops can sit outside and make some money and get idiots off the roads.

[wasabi]

AFAIK there is an Ibis hotel there so maybe people want a drink when staying overnight?

[DanceswithUnix]

Most pubs these days are basically restaurants that occasionally sell a drink.

The lack of food at many service stations these days is pretty shocking. I would far rather see a pub at a service station than another awful coffee outlet where you can't actually get fed.

[herulach]

TBF its not that uncommon already, just not at a 'motorway services' I can think of at least 3 others (one on the A50, 2 on the A1) that have pubs immediately off a dual carriageway. Assuming they're typical wetherspoon prices they'll make a killing on both evening meals and truckers.

[finlay666]

All for it. Everyone can get a pub lunch, non-drivers can drink, cops can sit outside and make some money and get idiots off the roads.

This

I'd take a spoons burger over some fast food ones any day, free drink in most of the town ones which do include soft drinks, tea/coffee and for a little bit a small energy drink

[Flibb]

My weekend treat is a Sunday morning Wetherspoons breakfast, the filter coffee in the local one is actually OK and free refills. Have also noticed that a lot of people go in there from night shift, and the local building site workers use it for hot drink and grub.

[directhex]

Wetherspoons pubs are some of the most child-friendly places to eat out. We go with our 19-month-old quite frequently. High chairs, baby change facilities, kids' menu, etc.

[peterb]

Gut instinct is that this is a bad idea - however there is nothing stopping someone from leaving the motorway to find a pub if they wish. On the other hand, is the more ready availability of alcohol likely to tempt someone to drink when they wouldn't otherwise bother? And why single out motorways - there are pubs on many A roads.

And it seems neither the police nor local authority raised objections - so perhaps it just is a gut reaction. It will be interesting to see if the number of alcohol related accidents increases ion that stretch of motorway though.

[csgohan4]

There is only so much a Country can do before you need to take responsibility for your own actions and act responsibly.

[DanceswithUnix]

There is only so much a Country can do before you need to take responsibility for your own actions and act responsibly.

Indeed, we need to stop taking our kids to fast food and coffee shops when they could be taken to somewhere that sells proper food and a range of non carbonated drinks.

[csgohan4]

Indeed, we need to stop taking our kids to fast food and coffee shops when they could be taken to somewhere that sells proper food and a range of non carbonated drinks.

But the problem lies in convenience and going for the quick and nasty option. I could easily pop out for a KFC bucket minimal effort. But I choose not to and opt for a healthy dinner.

Life is about choices not about the government making your choices. However when the time comes and things go wrong because of those choices who do we grovel too?

E.g severely obese person with no medical reason for being obese other than dietary reasons. Needs help from the NHS being diabetic too and having a heart attack.

Not for one moment I am proposing not treating them, but I am cynical to those who complain about people interfering in their lives before things have reached a critical stage.

It's a huge shame society has become a live for now and don't care about the future. E.g pensions, not many people have saved for their retirement and yet again rely on the government to fund them 'Wholly'.

Your Taxes only get you so far before a generous state benefit becomes unsustainable. But yet people ask for more and more and more without looking at the bigger picture.

The question remains how far do we interfere before people cry big brother and rage about the government. These will be the same people who ask for more when none is deserved.

I give you one last example, Patient reports to GP with high blood pressure, told to come back in a week for another reading as high blood pressure is not taken on one reading, patient does not attend appointment and puts off appointment due to work/ real life stuff.

He has no other reason to be on medication or history. Has a stroke and successfully sues the doctor, how can that be right ?

Do you want mandatory weekly medical checkups?

What has the world come too? People don't want the Government to interfere but demand the world when their choice ends up with egg on their face

[DanceswithUnix]

But the problem lies in convenience and going for the quick and nasty option. I could easily pop out for a KFC bucket minimal effort. But I choose not to and opt for a healthy dinner.

Still no idea where you stand on the original subject though

You see, compared to the shocking state of most motorway service stations that I have tried using a pub is a massive step up in service and choice.

The pub chain is saying they will be selling soft drinks cheaper than at usual pubs, will not promote alcohol, and will have drink awareness signs on menus on every table. To me it sounds like a well thought out and excellent option.

Of course the people saying we will all be murdered get their first hysterical say.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2...n-m40-services

[ik9000]

the main problem I can forsee (assuming most drivers are sensible) is passengers getting merry, then 1) being reckless getting into their car again and bashing the car next to it. Those spaces are usually cramped. and 2) the need to pee at the next services will increase journey times.