Wetherspoons has made a major change to one of its pubs as it trials a single-file queuing system. Notices instructing punters to form an orderly line at one designated spot at the bar have appeared in The Surrey Docks pub in Rotherhithe, South East London, this week.
The signs read: “Please queue here. This ensures we are providing our customers with a fair service.” Customers seemed to be adhering to the instructions, with some saying they believed the regulations were implemented to assist Gen Z.
One regular told the Sun: “It takes the edge off being served because the staff can’t be swayed by someone holding a tenner in their face.”
Steve Johnson, 66, from Bournemouth, said: “It’s very British. It was a bit of a fight before but that’s clearly gone. Any good barman knows who is next in line without having to rely on a queue.”
Companion Mark Aspinall, 46, commented: “It’s not for me. It’s like school dinners.”
Jim Hendricks, 71, added: “If it’s a change for young people, it’s wrong. Why can’t they learn to queue like other generations?”.
However, Wetherspoons spokesperson dismissed the suggestion that the policy was implemented to assist Gen Z and confirmed that the measures were not operational at every pub.
This comes as the popular chain prepares to open new pubs next week, with more planned for later in the year.
The Sun Wharf will open on September 30 at the site of the old London Dungeon in London Bridge. On October 1, The Hykenham Manor will welcome customers in Gateway Park, Lincoln.
Three more will open in October and November: Annitsford in Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham, and Emersons Green in Bristol.
