Chris Maclean: Feeling the passing of time

Working in the licensed trade is not an old man's game.

When I took my first pub I was thirty-three. At that time most licensees, it seemed, were in their forties at least. We'd moved a long way on from the era of pubs run by retired footballers and police-officers. Probably there isn't sufficient money for them nowadays. But then in my thirties I was considered "young". Today, twenty years later, I now consider myself old. There is a new frailty. A recognition that I can no longer do what I used to do.

It isn't just the age related issues. This trade is notoriously unforgiving for those who smoke, drink or lack exercise. Age and circumstances have started to take effect. The chickens are coming home to roost.

Shifting heavy casks of beer, going up and down precarious cellar steps, the repetitive strain of pulling pints all have a marked effect. Pub work has particular impact on our general health. But it is the lifestyle that is the killer.

It is living in a world with little natural daylight, eating erratically when the opportunity arises, picking at food, drinking occassionally and sometimes excessively. Where the intensity of business, the focus on few short peak hours of frantic activity, give more stress than office workers could ever contemplate.

For much of the time I have been working smoking has been an integral part. It wasn't something I complained about then, and I'm not complaining about it now, but fresh air wasn't a feature often enough.

Even now I can think of dark, basement level bars where fresh air is impossible. Factor in the long hours worked and the rare occassions when you get time off and the picture gets worse. For many licensees the joy of a few hours on a golf course; the exercise, fresh air and calmness all contribute massively to their well-being. But its scarcely enough.

Walk into any pub where the licensee has been for a number of years and the chances are you will be able to see visible signs of their physical damage. Their tired aching limbs, the pale complexion and other tell-tale indications of their industry. When I finish writing this I shall stand. It'll take a moment. Arthritis in the knees. Joint pain. Neck and back. It's painful.

I have, as many other licensees will understand, ailments that only this trade can give you. Sure, many put a cheerful face on it. I can think of dozens of freely offered "remedies" to deal with these issues. Licensees seem to know them all. Copper bracelets, eating pineapple, cod-liver oil tablets. All treating the symptoms of more serious maladies.

So why am I complaining now? Well, I'm over 50 and I'd hoped my retirement would be a succession of walks from country pub to country pub. It now seems highly unlikely. Meanwhile my younger brother has recently retired from the police-force and still has his youth, pension and health. It just doesn't seem fair. And my knee is giving me an uncommonly difficult time this week.