Would a ban on solo drinking in pubs and bars be “segregation” or a positive public health measure? 

Having a quick beer after work on your own is a habit many of the British public would openly admit to; however, a bar in Altrincham, Manchester, has recently banned solo drinkers from entering the premises after 9pm.

The reason for the ban’s introduction was a result of owner Carl Peters claiming that “The reason why they’re on their own is that they’ve got no one to talk to, so they start mithering other groups.”

This ban has sparked widespread controversy on social media, with some denouncing it and others championing it. This begs the question, if a ban like this were to catch on, how would it affect the UK public?  

we spoke with Jordan Giblin, assistant manager at Tiger Lounge Rawtenstall, said, “I don’t agree with the ban as it segregates people” and feels that “As long as they’re causing no harm, then what is the issue?”. when asked if having solo drinkers at the bar had ever caused issues He also said “if I’ve got a free minute ill happily chat to someone, I’ve got regulars i know by name.”

A study by YouGov found that 52% of people surveyed would feel comfortable going to a pub or bar on their own. So, if a ban on solo drinking where to be introduced it would affect over half the British public. 

Jonathan Yates, the owner of Winkley Street Ale House, echoed Jordan’s sentiment by saying, “As long as they are not causing trouble, then I have no issue with it. There is a certain kind of solace in being able to go into a bar yourself.” And “I do think that bars should be a place that’s accommodating to all people as long as you aren’t racist, sexist, etc.” When asked if solo drinking had ever caused issues in his bar, Jonathan said that “I’ve barred quite a few people this year”, stating that this was a result of their poor behavior within his pub, and went on to say, “It’s my bar and I don’t have to put up with it at the end of the day.” 

Adrian Smith, the chairperson for CAMRA Real Ale Lancashire, said, “when you look at pubs as a whole some pubs don’t allow people under 18 in at any time some pubs restrict access based on what people are wearing … so there will always be a sector of the community that can complain this pub doesn’t allow someone in” and also admitted that he’s been in pubs where “someone sat on their own has suddenly decided he’s going to talk to us” Adrian did, however, also take time to comment on the community aspect of pubs, saying, “I’ve been in pubs solo and after ten minutes you feel like you know everyone there, it’s a great thing about the British pub.” This community aspect is an incredibly important part of the story as studies from Greeneking found that 15% of the people they surveyed would be happy buying drinks in a pub all night just to have someone to talk to. This could indicate a wider issue of loneliness in the UK which may be the reason for solo drinkers in the first place.  

To find out how these issues directly affect solo drinkers, we spoke to Nick Hargreaves, a cinema duty manager who often visits bars alone after work to destress and sample different ales. He said, “even on a Friday and Saturday night when there is a bit more partying going on, I’ll still go in, go to the bar, and go out back where it’s quiet.” Nick also said, “If I were told at the door I was on my own and wouldn’t be allowed in, then I wouldn’t have anywhere else around me where I’d be comfortable.” We also asked whether a ban like this would make him feel singled out, Nick said “I think there is an element of one bad apple ruins the bunch… It’s part of my routine, I go in, I don’t cause any trouble, it is a safe space to me, much like a café may be to an older person… So, if they were to tell me I wasn’t allowed in I would feel generalized.” 

Opinions on this matter are clearly divided with some thinking that it’s perfectly ok to allow solo drinkers into pubs and that it can even create communities of people who form around certain interests such as real ale. However, many have mentioned that it should fall to the landlord’s discretion to check any unwanted behavior and react to situations on a case-by-case basis as opposed to outright banning solo drinkers all together.