Have Tim’s pubs changed that much?

I LAUGHED out aloud when I read the Quote Of The Day from JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin, October 17, where he said, ‘It makes no sense for supermarkets to be treated more leniently than pubs since pubs generate far more jobs per pint or meal than do supermarkets.’

Well, I would have expected him to have done some research before coming up with such a statement because as it stands, it appears that his only experience of supermarkets is freezer-section ready-meals and the beers, wines and spirits (BWS) department.

However, the reason I found it funny might be down to ignorance on my part.

Any truly avid reader of the opinion pages will remember that I have been writing letters to it since the days when Alan Smith was its sub-editor, back in the 1980s, so it can be said that my age is one factor that leads me to be a little more cautious in these pandemic times.

As a result, the last time that I went into a pub, or bought anything from a shop that wasn’t online was back in March, so things might have changed somewhat in Wetherspoons since.

For all I know, Tim Martin could well be right and, instead of using the supermarket, you could instead, take your child into the pub, lose them in the labyrinthine clothes section and spend the next half hour or so ignoring the calls over the Tannoy regarding somebody’s lost child while you and your partner relax, wandering around, acquiring fresh vegetables, shampoo, pet food, tins of beans, packs of biscuits and a loaf of bread, remembering, of course, to stop for a quick half and a glass of wine in the BWS section.

Having paid, you make your way to the customer service bar to return your glasses and pick up your offspring from the security officer who has just watched somebody run off with a television while they have been babysitting for you for free.

Well, it is one or the other. When this pandemic is over, it is going to be an interesting visit to the pub.

Paul Grosse, Sinfin