Sir, - What is happening to the traditional warm welcome in Dublin pubs? For the past 10 years I have travelled to Dublin at least four times a year and I have always enjoyed the beer and the craic, such a welcome change from most of the pubs in London. But it seems that things are changing.
I have just returned from my last visit and during that visit I was stopped more times at the door of pubs than I have been in the rest of my life put together. It seems that any tourist not wearing a suit and tie can now be refused entry. There's a new pub open, just opposite the Ha'penny bridge, which turns away tourists wearing soft shoes at six o'clock in the evening. Absurd? I think so. It seems that this is not a isolated case, from stories I have heard.
Come on Mr Publican: people come to Dublin to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and welcome; why are you doing your best to spoil that? - Yours, etc.,
Brian Hales,
Park Lane,
Hornchurch,
Essex,
England.