A new pub trend has left Britons utterly aghast, with some declaring it the “breakdown of civilisation”.
The once-temporary measure of queueing etiquette in bars, introduced during the pandemic to maintain distance between patrons, appears to have outstayed its welcome.
Punters are baffled as to why the orderly line persists instead of the traditional scramble at the bar.
A viral tweet from Liam Thorp has sparked debate, with the frustrated drinker exclaiming: “I don’t wish to be dramatic but this single file queueing thing at bars represents, for me, the breakdown of civilisation.”
Others humorously pondered the future of pub etiquette, suggesting a deli-style ticket system might be next.
One comment read: “The time will come when you have to pull a ticket out of a machine and wait your turn to be called to the bar.”
Another shared their dismay: “At the Manchester Apollo last night. The top bar (where I once worked) now single file queue, like being at the bank. Or post office. Horrendous.”
Yet, not everyone is willing to conform to the queuing craze, with one social media user sharing their simple tactic for bypassing the controversy: “I got shouted at yesterday for going to the bar and not joining the 5 deep single file queue. A simple shoulder shrug was all it needed in response.”
Some individuals were left wondering if the old system was ever effective, with one person commenting: “I don’t drink these days so this doesn’t affect me personally, but whatever system is in place, I struggle to see why being served in order, rather than a ‘survival of the fittest’ scrum, is seemingly anathema to most people? Is the consensus that it’s okay to simply push in?”
A response argued that competent staff and considerate patrons made the “free for all” approach a fair service, explaining: “Good staff can spot who is next, and good customers will point out “he was before me” if required. It’s just… nicer. More organic, less regimented. I prefer a pub that isn’t so crowded that queuing is required to be honest.”
However, another user disagreed, stating: “If I walk into a bar that is a “free for all”, and 1-2-3 people deep, I just turn around and walk out. They can do what they like with their apparent popularity, but I’m not fighting to be served so they won’t be doing it with my money!”
