Under recent legislation, the Labour Government has implemented the initiative in a bid to encourage “mindfulness” among pub punters, giving licensees and their customers time back in their day to “reflect and rebalance” amid the “cacophony of the modern world”.
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The move would mean, for at least one hour of service every day, there would be an enforced quiet period. This would include no music being able to be played, no TVs can be turned on – whether you could have the screen on with no sound has yet to be clarified – and customers must speak “at library volume”.
The motion, which was tabled by member of parliament Rosa Doily Flap, was met with some criticism but is expected to gain Royal Assent sometime before midday on Wednesday 1 April.
Quell the heat
The Government scheme also mean the sale of nuts, crisps and pork scratchings would be banned during that hour in what some are terming a “crunch ban” because they make the loudest noises when munched. This leaves room in the market for quieter snacks that could potentially melt in the mouth, and KP is reported to be putting out a rush order on Skips to take advantage of the legislation, and Walkers is set to run special “quiet hour” promos on Quavers.
The idea of the move is to de-stress customers and employees, who would be encouraged to sit still and stare into the distance as if they were sitting on top of mountain range admiring nature in all its calmness. Staff and guests would be encouraged to wear warm clothes in case they are outside when the quiet hour begins.
Midlands pub – Darill of Soapy – plans to fight the quiet-time movement before it has a chance to become law. Licensee Loyd Olaf-Paris said: “I have never heard of anything so ridiculous and I will fight this all the way. First they take our crisps, then they take our conversation, where will it end?
“I have never sold a quiet snack and what type of drink can I serve now? I guess one with carbonation will be out the window so that’s no lager, no cola or lemonade – there’s only tap water left! I can’t make any money from that. Or Guinness, and the same applies.”
Peace and quiet
A Government spokesman said: “This change in licensing regulations is a great deal for pubs and, much like our decisions to enable them to stay open later, is a real shot in the arm for a sector we recognise has its own challenges.
“Pubs will be able to choose the scheduling for their own quiet hour, we recommend aiming for peak trading times to have maximum affect but will leave it down to the discretion of the operator, as long as it’s between 5pm and 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
“This has the full backing of Government, from Sir Keir and Rachel Reeves downwards, and they are both looking to sitting quietly in their local pubs without any of the normal distractions, such as people shouting at them.”
