Anti-alcohol abuse, anti-drink driving and anti-enjoying yourself campaigners are getting their underwear in knots at the moment because J. D. Wetherspoon is set to open it's first dedicated motorway pub in the UK. To be fair, the pub won't be directly on the M40, it will be on a service road off the motorway, and Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin hopes it will be the first of many.
Of course, the Anti Brigade are forecasting huge increases in accidents caused by drink drivers, with the result that already inundated A & E departments will be filled to overflowing if they happen to be near a motorway. They want Wetherspoon's to refuse to serve alcohol to drivers, but Tim Martin sensibly dismisses this ridiculous request, making the point that village pubs don't ask their customers if they're driving before pulling a pint, so why should his staff act as Alcohol Police?
To be honest, the UK's laws about serving alcohol on motorways are totally outdated, and should have been scrapped years ago. In Spain and France, it's always been possible to have a glass of wine with your meal if you want to. In our travels between Spain and the UK, we've never seen a driver stagger back to a car, motor home or lorry after his leisurely lunch. That's probably because blood alcohol limits in Spain and France are lower than in the UK, and most drivers are responsible when it comes to drink driving.
People who want to drink and drive will do so whether they are able to buy alcohol on the motorway or not - they've probably got a cool box full of Carlsberg in the car on every trip. Banning pubs is depriving motorway users such as those on coach holidays or day trips the chance of a relaxing drink, just because a few irresponsible people may have a beer and then get back behind the wheel. It's using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and it's the Nanny State in action.
In fact, the presence of Wetherspoon's on the motorways could drive down prices at service stations. The last time I bought a pot of tea on the motorway, I suggested to the Manager that they should change the name of the joint to 'Dick Turpin's Service Area' - what they were charging for one teabag and some hot water amounted to nothing less than highway robbery. I've always made sure we carried a flask since then.
And Wetherspoon's meals may be basic, but they're good value, and freshly cooked. Your Wetherspoon's breakfast won't have sat swimming in oil for hours, and it won't cost you a fortune either. I for one think putting Wetherspoon's on the motorways of the UK is a great move for travellers. What do you think?
