Pubs told to ban popular phrase in case it encourages guests to get drunk

26 September 2023 , 11:03

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The environment in our pubs is set to change (file image) (Image: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)

Popular phrases heard at the pub like "same again?" and "is that a double?" may be banned because of concern it encourages guests to get drunk.

Training guides for employees in the hospitality trade include the advice to curb the phrases, because it is feared they lead to binge drinking. Online courses - which are free for all staff - aim to stop workers using language entirely.

International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit group dedicated to reducing harmful drinking, has offered alternative language staff can use instead, such as "what would you like this time?," rather than the traditional "same again" term.

But punters have slammed the guidelines, arguing they themselves are responsible for what they choose to drink and when. Writing online, drinkers shared their frustration. One posted: "I know I am not the only one fed up with this bloody world." Another said: "It's silly. It won't make a scrap of difference." A third stated: "What a load of nonsense, the world is going mad." Others argued the move might be damaging for businesses.

IARD, though, is supported by major booze producers, including Heineken, Diageo, AB InBev, Beam Suntory, Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman. It says the new resource will "give staff the confidence to deny sales and service where necessary".

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Henry Ashworth - president and chief executive of IARD - told Daily Telegraph: "IARD member companies support retailers’ and hospitality venues’ efforts to have their staff sell and serve alcohol beverages responsibly, to help prevent sale and service to those underage or knowingly intoxicated. Towards this, we are proud to launch our latest resources that can be used to give staff the confidence to deny sales and service where necessary.

"Together, we can help ensure the positive declines in harmful drinking seen in many parts of the world continue to spread, creating long-lasting changes in communities across the world."

Bradley Jolly