Soldier refused service in Witney pub . . . because he was in uniform
 

This report in the local press seems somewhat confused - the pub itself says that the local RAF station has told them not to serve uniformed personnel, but the station seems to have a different view.

Soldier refused service in Witney pub . . . because he was in uniform (From Oxford Mail)

What actually is the rule these days? I thought that one of Incapability Brown's utterances was that military personnel should be encouraged to wear uniform in public nowadays?

Back in the 1950s, I'm told that a weary tank crew on exercise went into a German pub for a cold beer. Only to be told "We do not serve British soldiers in this pub". The tank crew left quietly; shortly afterward the noise of an engine and squealing of tracks was heard, followed by the crash of breaking glass as the tank's gun was traversed through the pub window. The occupants of the pub wisely legged it; shortly afterwards a blank round was fired into the pub, shattering every bottle and glass in the place.... When the dust had settled the tank commander reappeared and announced to the dazed pub keeper "You won't be serve ****ing anyone in this pub now, will you Fritz!"

I always thought it was against the rules to drink whilst on duty anyway?

It is.....

I suppose they could be going in for a coke, pie and chips! :ok:

Ah well, the cross keys, another pub I shant be visiting from now on then.

According to our SROs. Wearing of uniform in public is to be encouraged but the rules on entering licensed premises are still restricted to funerals or official functions.

The spokesperson for the pub chain quoted this so they must have been advised fairly officially by someone.

I don,t know if Army rules are different but, if not, it would seem, sadly, that the soldiers in this case were in the wrong.

'Twas the same in 80s Germany. Spent two and a half years putting many Deutchmarks across the counter at the HannenFass in Gutersloh, only to be told one evening "We do not serve the British here anymore" (not just the military note, but 'The British' in their entirety). Most dischuffed.
As for not drinking on duty, cobblers! It wasn't so very long ago that all the Snecks and Os used to toddle off to their respective messes for a stiff couple at lunchtime. :eek:

What the rules are now though, I'm not sure. However, in these days when Commanders are paranoid about their careers being tarnished by one of their troops being photographed, by our responsible and civic minded press, actually drinking some alcohol (perish the thought), I wouldn't be surprised if there is a ban on being in a pub in uniform (there certainly is with some companies in civvy strasse). :{

The Cross Keys was always a bit of a dump anyway. They should of gone to the Red Lion across the Market Square where the food was always better and Ian et al would have welcomed them with open arms..... Oh the memories.. or lack of them :}

The last time I went into a pub (to eat, of course), in rig, the landlord went into a state of near panic. He thought it was spot check by Customs and Excise! Still, easy mistake.

This "should you, shouldn’t you" argument is remarkably circular. Apart from the usual requirement of not bringing the Service into disrepute, guidance from “above” is remarkably vague (suits me). It is clear, though, that the new age Puritans are alive, well and living there.

My local Sainsbury is adjacent to Pirbright/Deepcut etc and there are always Army uniforms in there, a few buying booze but mostly food; I suppose this will be banned next.

Why does command not just allow it but put a caveat on it saying anyone who gets daft or drunk in uniform is going to get the worlds worst issue of jankers - and make it stick.

I think it would do much good for HM forces to be treated like grown-ups and told - yes, you can drink in uniform but on no account dishonour this uniform or bring the service into disrepute. Secondly why do the pubs not do a promotion with a little sticker on the door saying either yes or no to uniforms coming in - we would then just go to the uniforms welcome...

Job done - now who do I see about my fee?

It wasn't all that long ago (1960s) when wearing civilian clothes at any time other than when on leave was a privilege that required written permission. We reported to the guardroom for inspection of our papers, to ensure that we were suitably authorised, before being allowed out on the streets in "mufti". At that time, BR would only issue a ticket in exchange for a travel warrant if you were in uniform, unless you were an officer - who must be wearing a lounge suit. The situation changed only after the last of the National Servicemen had finally been de-mobilised. It says much for the state of the nation that our servicemen now have to creep around disguised as civilians, as if ashamed of their uniform. :(

BS.
Grumpy Old Man and proud of it.

It was at least reassuring to read:
These lads were in town manning an Army recruiting stand - and were hardly the type of person to act improperly in any way inside a pub. Were they expected to change out of uniform just for the 'privilege' of doing what any other member of the public can do - have lunch in a pub?

Whatever happened to commonsense?

Come now BEagle, you of all people know better than to include MOD and commonsense in the same arena.
Back in the 70's (I know - knackered old fart) a fair percentage of uniformed HQSTC officers (up to 2*) could be found imbibing in a local pub as well as eating and flirting with the local talent. They tell me it was reminiscent of the Second World War!

Regulations are quite clear and don't need changing. Uniformed personnel should not be in pubs. The 'good ole days' are long gone and, despite the new-found love of the Armed Forces, joe public doesn't want pished troops in uniform all over the place. Suggesting that drinking in uniform is OK as long as you don't get hammered is laughable and demonstrates how far away some people are from the real world.

Newsflash - other sources of food are available. Regulations are not new - uniform means no pub - they are at fault, not the landlord.

Could you explain further Mr H? Is this your real world we are talking about or do we all share in it? Is the real world one of fun, fear, excitement, danger and responsibility or is it a proscribed socialists ideal where our "masters " know best?

Hasn't this been covered in several threads before? The no pub rules are tri-service

RAF

'0113.

Occasion on which uniform is not to be worn.

b. Visits to licensed premises (including when not consuming alcohol), except when specifically approved by the Chain of Command.'

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...866A594026.pdf

During 2008 the media covered the story when the MoD issued the rules governing the wearing of uniform in public. The specific 'no pub' rule was highlighted in The Mirror.

Troops ordered to wear uniforms everywhere but in the pub - mirror.co.uk

TJ

Why is it always assumed that men in uniform go into a pub, with the sole intention of getting drunk? A most bigoted view in my opinion.

It may well have been....... but it still doesn't make the rules right or appropriate.
I do, however, feel that this may be an old un's v young un's spat with no real outcome except of course those of us who remember the Gut, HK, and Bugis St are right!!:cool:

The no entry to Licensed Premises is there for a reason as people have stated.

However most pubs serving food sell a lot more food that Alcohol so they are probably more closer in designation to a Restaurant than a boozer.

There is a real difference here as clearly the 2 people concerned went to ANOTHER pub for a meal which was the clear intent of entry into first premises.

Given the nature of the work the 2 people were doing, I may be wrong but i would hazard a guess that they were unlikely to go back to their stand reeking of alcohol.

Common sense ain't that common.

Recruiting sergeants in pubs :confused: Whatever next :=

Just make sure your tankard has a glass bottom :ok: