A pub in Hartlepool, The Royal, has ignited a fierce debate online after publishing a highly critical list of rules targeting seasonal customers. The establishment’s social media post, widely shared across various platforms, bluntly informed those who rarely frequent pubs outside December that “everyone hates you,” sparking both outrage and solidarity within the hospitality sector. The detailed guide, titled “how to not be quite so awful,” outlines a series of perceived missteps by festive drinkers, aiming to improve the experience for regulars and staff alike during the busy Christmas period.

The controversial message specifically targets individuals who avoid pubs for “11 months out of the year,” labelling them “non-drinkers” who purchase alcohol from supermarkets. The pub asserts that these seasonal patrons, whether attending work parties or festive gatherings, inadvertently “ruin pubs for the rest of us.” This direct address underscores a long-standing frustration among pub owners and staff regarding the unique challenges posed by the influx of less experienced or infrequent customers during peak times.

Among the primary grievances listed is the expectation for customers to know their order before approaching the bar. The Royal’s post likens the bar to “an intricate machine” that functions optimally when patrons are prepared, criticising those who use the counter as a place to “think or choose or decide.” It warns that asking for obscure drinks like cranberry juice or consulting companions for their orders disrupts the flow and draws a “collective groan” from fellow waiting customers, impeding efficient service.

The pub further advises seasonal visitors against starting their drinking early, noting that “You’re NOT a drinker” if they have not been seen all year. It cautions “amateurs” against attempting a “Marathon” by commencing drinking at 4 PM, suggesting this often leads to patrons “puking and crying before nine o’clock at night.” Another key rule emphasizes the automatic expectation of being “in a Round” when arriving in a group, contrasting the often chaotic individual orders of festive groups with the streamlined efficiency of larger, experienced groups like “twenty-five loud, burly, drunken Rugby Players.”

The post particularly highlights the inefficiency of groups ordering drinks one-at-a-time, especially when multiple individuals request the same beverage. It expresses exasperation over the delay caused by waiting for each person to pay separately, and the ultimate frustration of a “Guinness putting on” as the final order in a long sequence. This practice, the pub contends, brings the entire service to a crawl, leading to significant irritation for both staff and other patrons patiently awaiting service.

Customers are also instructed to “Know where you are” by observing the establishment’s character. The pub advises against ordering obscure single malt whiskies in a bar promoting cheap shots, or conversely, demanding cocktails seen on “Sex And The City” in a traditional wood-furnished pub with hand-pulls. This rule underscores the importance of respecting a venue’s identity and menu, preventing unrealistic expectations and unnecessary demands on bartenders.

The guide tackles the perennial issue of attracting attention at the bar, explicitly stating, “You are NOT next” simply because you have waited the longest. It clarifies that no “Official Rules Of Queueing At The Bar” exist, with the ultimate decision resting with the bartender. The post strongly warns against attention-seeking tactics such as banging change, waving money, clicking fingers, or whistling, asserting that these actions will only result in the perpetrator being moved “to the back of the queue.”

The Royal also addresses the perceived “preferential treatment” given to regulars. It explains that individuals like “Bob,” who frequent the pub “five times a week, every week,” are crucial to the establishment’s survival, paying the bills and keeping it open for “eleven months of the year.” The pub explicitly states that regulars “get preferential treatment” and advises seasonal patrons to “just shut up” and accept this reality, acknowledging their vital role in sustaining local businesses.

Finally, the pub’s rules conclude with “Time is time,” emphasizing the legal obligation for establishments to cease serving at a designated hour. It clarifies that staff do not stop selling drinks out of malice or boredom, but due to legal requirements. Patrons are firmly told that attempting to “cajole” or “bribe” bartenders into selling more after last orders is futile and unlawful, urging graceful acceptance of the closing time.

The outspoken post, while resonating with many, also drew criticism and warnings of a potential “backfire.” Some social media users expressed concern over the pub’s aggressive tone, with one commenter, Debbie, sharing the post with the caution, “Ha ha could back fire this post like.” Others simply reacted with surprise, such as Leighanne’s “Wow just wow,” highlighting the divisive nature of the pub’s blunt communication style.

Despite the backlash, the message garnered significant support, particularly from individuals within the hospitality industry. Emma, commenting on the Hillsborough Tap Facebook page where the advice was also shared, praised it, stating, “I love this. And most importantly……. Order ALL drinks at once and group them!” Bar workers like Zoe affirmed its accuracy, noting, “Having spent decades working bars and events this is absolutely spot on!” This widespread endorsement from industry insiders underscores the common frustrations articulated by The Royal.

The Royal’s candid approach has undoubtedly sparked a broader conversation about pub etiquette, customer expectations, and the often-unseen pressures faced by bar staff during peak periods. While its directness may have alienated some, it has simultaneously empowered others in the hospitality sector to voice their own long-held grievances. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics between businesses and their diverse clientele, particularly in the digital age.

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Keywords: Hartlepool pub rules, Christmas pub etiquette, Festive drinkers guide, The Royal Hartlepool, Pub social media controversy, Bar staff frustrations, Regulars vs occasional patrons, Hospitality industry challenges