Shoreditch pub to put clocks forward at weekend

Dave Chapman, licensee of The Albion, in Goldsmiths Row, Shoreditch, believes that the “archaic custom” of daylight saving is costing the pub industry valuable winter trade.

He is urging other publicans to follow suit this weekend so that customers can enjoy an extra two hours’ daylight. Chapman will still operate within his permitted licensing hours but the clocks in his pub will be put forward an hour.

It comes as the Government announced today it is to consider supporting the Daylight Savings Private Members Bill which could eventually mean the advancing of time by one hour throughout the year across the country for a trial period, but only if there is UK wide consensus.

“It will save a whole lot of power and aid production, and we will be able to see through the winter what it would be like,” said Chapman.

“If enough licensees did it and got behind the campaign I can’t seen any reason why the government couldn’t give it some consideration.

“It is obvious that a number of pubs and other outlets in the leisure could benefit as a whole from an initiative like this.”

Meanwhile, the government is seeking amendments to the backbench Bill, at the forthcoming Committee stage in the House of Commons, expected in early November.

The Bill, which was put forward by Conservative MP Rebecca Harris, will need to be passed by both Houses by the end of the first session of Parliament, which ends in April 2012.

Business Minister Edward Davey said: “This is an issue which affects everyone across the country so we cannot rush head first into this. As the Prime Minister has made clear we would need consensus from the devolved administrations if any change were to take place. We have therefore tabled amendments to the current Bill to make sure that it addresses these concerns.

“It is only right that we at least look at what the potential economic and social benefits of any change might be. Lower road deaths, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and improved health have all been argued over the years as possible benefits. If there is strong evidence to support this then we should at least see what the possible benefits are.”

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) also backed plans to move clocks forward two hours in the summer and one hour in the winter for a three-year trial period to create lighter evenings and boost the pub trade.