People flock to pubs to watch attack on America unfold

Disbelief and shock hit licensees and customers after Tuesday's terrorist attacks in America claimed thousands of lives and caused untold...

Disbelief and shock hit licensees and customers after Tuesday's terrorist attacks in America claimed thousands of lives and caused untold destruction.

The news that the World Trade Center in New York had been destroyed and the Pentagon in Washington seriously damaged after hijacked airliners slammed into them - rocked the industry as licensees and their customers watched in horror on TV or listened to the devastating news on the radio.

Unexplained explosions near the State Department and Congress buildings in Washington added to the horror.

A pub in Hampshire was packed with customers when the news of the first plane crash into the World Trade Center tower broke. John Paul-Mealing, licensee of Lucky Jims told thepublican.com: "There were 30 or 40 people in the bar glued to the screens. It was terrible. At first it was disbelief and denial.

"It was just like watching a movie, but then when the reality set in it was very sombre in here."

The black mood intensified as some customers and bar staff desperately tried to phone friends and relatives in New York.

The Blue Posts in Regent St, London, was also packed full of shocked customers. Licensee James Starsmore said: "It was total shock. As soon as I heard the news I ran upstairs and put a TV on the bar. Nobody could believe it and everybody was talking about it all day.

"We're right in the centre of London, and there were sirens going off constantly as people were evacuated. People were walking around outside in a daze."

In Greater Manchester, it was much the same story. The Hinds Head pub in Stockport was packed full of customers listening to the news on the radio. Licensee, Alan Preston said customers were in disbelief and many were angry at the news.

Richard Whittle, licensee of the Strickland Arms in Hull told thepublican.com that he left the news on all night because customers could talk of nothing else.

Meanwhile, around the country pubs near airports found their accommodation full as stranded passengers destined for the States took every available room.

Hundreds of passengers scheduled to fly to the US were stranded in Glasgow when the airport was closed. Many were left without accommodation because of a conference.

Alex Mosson, the lord provost of Glasgow and Eddie Friel, chief executive of Greater Glasgow Tourist Board, were due to fly to Boston today (Wed 12th) to launch a travel offer to encourage American visitors to Scotland. They called off their trip and offered their condolences.

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