Premier Inn has been lashed by angry Brits after one of its flagship hotel bar’s introduced a new queuing system, reports Mail Online.
The popular hotel chain has introduced a new system at its Gatwick Airport hotel bar, which it says is designed to ensure a “fair service” for all customers. The change is aimed to streamline the process of ordering drinks and avoid confusion or delays.
However, the move has sparked backlash, particularly from British customers, who argue that it disrupts the traditional pub culture of gathering around the bar to order drinks.
Instead of the familiar custom of mingling and signaling for service at the pumps, the system introduces a more formal queuing process, which some feel detracts from the communal, relaxed atmosphere typical of a pub.
The system was noticed after a sign was put up near the bar at the hotel, prompting discussion and debate over whether it improves or undermines the drinking experience, the Sun reports.
It reads: ‘We want to provide a fair service to everyone. Queue up at the beginning of the bar and we’ll be with you soon.’
Brits took to social media to slam Premier Inn.
One person said: “Some of the best chats I’ve had have been with randoms at a bar while waiting to be served. It isn’t a Post Office, there’s no need to queue.”
In a statement, Premier Inn said: “Our hotel at Gatwick North Terminal is our largest and busiest hotel in the UK – with over 700 bedrooms and over 1200 guests in house most nights.
“Our team operate a hugely successful and efficient restaurant service where drinks can be served to tables, but on the occasion the guest would like a drink at the bar we have implemented a system in this hotel to ensure guests are served as quickly and fairly as possible.”
