Beer-lovers in Lincoln have expressed horror at the idea that pubs may have to stop selling the humble pint.
Researchers at Cambridge University have found that serving ale as a two-thirds measure would likely reduce alcohol consumption and improve the nation’s health.
But suggestions that this could be the first step to outlawing pints have been given short-shrift by people here in the city.
Student Jack Clark, 19, said: “Reducing pints will cause public outrage. People will just pay more money for the same amount of alcohol. It won’t stop alcoholism and bad behaviour at the pub.”
Sam Speed, a 21-year-old bartender, said it would be bad for business. He said: “It would definitely affect our business and it would drive more people to clubs where they would be drinking more spirits. Also, more people would be drinking at home.”
Kitty Peacock, an assistant manager at Turtle Bay, said: “Being a Brit, you want to go out for an actual pint and everyone’s like ‘let’s go out for a pint!’, but when it’s not a pint anymore, that’s not going to feel like proper British culture. I’ll still go out for a drink anyway…it will just have to be different wording.”
Simone Bellandini, a middle-aged restaurant owner, said: “I think people will just have two drinks rather than one. I think what’s better is if we educate people on drinking culture and alcholism in school.”
Alex Genery, 22, a bartender, said: “I think it’s good for health, but everyone knows the risks of drinking and I don’t think it will work to stop people from doing that. They will just keep buying more.”
But some people could see the benefits.
Phil Smith, who is retired and was himself enjoying a drink in Wetherspoon, said it might “improve people’s behaviour while they are out and make them less of a nuisance”.
