Government to re-brand pubs - SORRY FOLKS!
We just couldn't resist an April Fool - the worrying thing is you just wouldn't put it past the Government to re-name the British pub.
Thank you very much for your comments - and your support for our fight to save the pub.
I will post a selection of comments today - anonymously to save any blushes.
Once again, thanks.
For those of you who missed it the 'story' is below - I think you'll agree it's a belter.
The Government has caused outrage with plans to ditch the name pub in preference of Designated Licensed Premises or DLP.
An internal Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) memorandum leaked to the Morning Advertiser revealed that the revised guidance notes for the licensing act will officially kill off the pub and rename it the DLP.
The move will send shockwaves across the industry which has not even been consulted.
2012 OlympicsThe renaming of the pub is designed to update Britain's image in time for the 2012 Olympics and attract more tourists.
It will also now sit more comfortably alongside the other new terms bought in by the act such as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
A DCMS insider told the MA: "The pub is an antiquated word that has lost all meaning in modern times. Just what is a public house? I don't know. The term DLP brings the industry into the 21st century and it won't be long before it is a common phrase - in fact it will be in the dictionary from May. It is a chance for the old pub to shed itself of its associated image problems of teenage binge drinkers and alcohol-fuelled disorder. The DLP is a modern term and gives the industry a chance to re-invent itself. Essentially it is a re-branding exercise."
£10millionThe Government will be ploughing £10m in to promote the DLP over the next two years beginning in November.
Plans are afoot to redraft all guidebooks and licensees will be able to apply for grants to help change signage.
"This is completely ridiculous," said John Pitt of the Old Tithe Barn. "I refuse to change the name of my pub. It is part of our heritage and tradition and I won't let them take it."
MA editor Andrew Pring said he would take the Government to the European Court to overrule the change.
"We need to act quickly to stop this idiotic change. We will defend the pub all the way to Brussels. But we haven't got long to get our case together so please email us your comments of support to bolster the case. We will not be renaming the Morning Advertiser the DLP Advertiser - the DPS's paper since 1794."
Your Comments
"Now all becomes clear. Remember we were all concerned that the Pub didn't feature in the list of what is British?. Now we know why. This is more of Tony Blairs destroy anything British campaign. He is a meglamaniac and needs stopping. I fully support the MA's campaign to stop this insane move. It's a shame you cannot name the official who made such crasse statements, then they could be banned from all pubs, assuming of course they even use them. More likely though to use the subsidised bars in the Palace of Westminster."
"April fool or not, don't give them ideas."
"What on earth has it got to do with the government what a pub is called. A pub is a pub its part 100's of years of British Heritage. This is just another example of this governments arrogance. I truly believe that they think we are in living in a dictatorship and not a democracy. The sooner this government is voted out the better thats if we get the chance to vote at the rate they are going. On top of that what an utter waste of taxpayers money and yet they say they carnt afford to pay people pensions. Its no good we will have to have a French Revolution."
"A pub is a pub , even this control freakery governmnet should not be able to change such a fundimental thing. But as we know "change" is what they are about. Well its time for another change , THEM!!!"
"What is worrying as you say Iain is that may well take up the idea, what are you going to do then. Andrew may well have to dig deeply."
Here, here! See you all again next April!
