Drinkers in pubs are to be told to stand in a queue and banned from ordering more than two drinks at a time at the bar.
Rope barriers similar to those used in shops and post offices will be installed to keep customers in line.
The plan has been proposed following concern over disorder and violence in a town centre’s bars.
The two-drink limit is intended to curb binge-drinking and stop customers ordering large amounts of alcohol. In addition, customers would not be allowed to drink while queuing.
But critics say the ‘nanny state’ restrictions will end the convivial British tradition of drinkers buying rounds for their friends.
Mark Hastings, of the British Beer And Pub Association, said: ‘We have no problem with tackling problem drinking but this is not the way to go about it.
‘These measures are costly, unnecessary and totally disproportionate at a time when around 40 pubs are closing every week.
‘People aren’t going to want to drink if they have to queue up as if they’re in the post office.’
What’s wrong with table waiters? Or is that too obvious?
