Rees-mogg: A yard of ale is perfect for social distancing

Victoria Ward

OF anyone, it is difficult to imagine Jacob Rees-mogg necking a yard of ale with his mates at the local boozer.

However, the Leader of the House of Commons has suggested pub-goers return to the 17th-century measure as a means of adhering to social distancing rules when landlords reopen their doors.

Mr Rees-mogg, whose favoured tipple is said to be Somerset cider, was asked during business questions in the Commons yesterday what could be done to support the beleaguered trade.

“I think there’s a very easy answer in pubs and that is people should go back to drinking a yard of ale,” he replied.

“Because if they drink a yard of ale they will maintain social distancing while enjoying an extra large drink to celebrate the fact that they are back in the pub.”

A Labour backbencher, having perhaps mislaid their sense of humour, scoffed at the idea, which they muttered would encourage excess drinking. Many pubs are already selling beer in two-pint containers, or larger. Mick Duignan, landlord of the Sutton Arms in Clerkenwell, London, for 32 years, has been selling craft beer in takeaway two-pint containers for eight weeks. “It’s been very successful actually, but it doesn’t cover our costs.” He laughed at Mr Rees Mogg’s suggestion, saying: “He must be joking. We will definitely not be selling a yard of ale.

“We used to sell it to students, but I was delighted when we got rid of that glass. “I smashed it. It’s horrible.”