Fror Engrand, an Shnt. Grorge - hic

Some publicans are having some success in securing an extension to their opening hours using St. George's Day as the reason rather than having to dress the whole thing up as a charitible event:

When I applied for the extension I went with a 200-signature petition and made it very clear that I wanted it because it was St George’s Day and not just a charitable event.

“On Wednesday the magistrates responded by granting a special order of exemption on the grounds of St George’s Day, which is brilliant. Everyone is really excited now, we’re going to offer a full English breakfast until 6pm, have an evening buffet and hold raffles with prizes. It should be a great day.”

Magistrates are generally reluctant to grant exemptions for the national saint’s day, claiming it is not a day of special importance.

Licensees have often been forced to hold a fund-raising event to add a few extra hours of opening time.

The article links to the web site for the Value of St. George campaign, led by Wells Bombardier, the British Tourist Authority and The Publican which aims to gain for St. George's day the recognition our national saints day deserves.

I've always thought it odd that the day passes by without the merest hint of a Bank holiday or parade in London whereas on St. Patrick's day the pubs are full of people wearing those novelty hats you get each time you drink unlikely amounts of Guinness.

Posted by John at April 16, 2004 02:16 PM | TrackBack