The 20-person pollIt's the busiest time of the year for pubs. UNA MULLALLYasked 20 bartenders in 20 pubs in Dublin's Temple Bar for their opinions on the increasingly popular "12 pubs of Christmas" pub crawl. The rules are simple: visit 12 pubs and have a drink in each. In some groups other rules, such as an extra drink for anyone who mentions the recession, may apply.
Abi Denniston, The Front Lounge
“I hate it. I previously worked in a pub where they would just not allow pub crawls. It’s too messy. People feel that because they’re in your bar for a short amount of time, they can be as rowdy as they want.”
Francis Lenehan, The Turk’s Head
“I think it’s ridiculous. When I’m out with my friends, I just want to relax, have a chat, catch up, have fun. Having someone walking around telling you to drink up is crazy.”
Jackie Marek, The Foggy Dew
“I think it’s a bad idea. People get wasted and are wrecking your head. Six pubs would be enough.”
James Langan, Peadar Kearney’s
“It does seem to be growing bigger and bigger. It used to be food and drink; now it’s just drink.”
Ken Yeates, The Porterhouse
“Honestly, it’s a pain in the neck.”
Ken Leon, The Arlington
“It’s good for business from my point of view, but it’s not sensible. In fact, it’s one of the stupidest things that’s out there.”
Rob Burnheart, Bison Bar
“People are always going to find an excuse to drink: Paddy’s Day, New Year’s Eve. I can understand its popularity, but people are getting legless when they’re not used to it. It’s a nice idea, but there’s a danger to it as well.”
Leslie Perkins, The Ha’penny Bridge Inn
“I’d hate to be the 12th pub.”
Martin Deegan, The Temple Bar
“I think it’s good. People are out having fun, groups of friends are coming together.”
Darren Smith, The Workman’s Club
“It does my head in. It’s very, very messy.”
Ian Murphy, The Mezz
“I think it’s a good idea. It’s good for business.”
Martins Jurkevics, The Octagon Bar
“It’s good for business.”
Francis Young, The Auld Dubliner
“It’s getting very messy. An awful lot of people could get hurt and that’ll be the end of it.”
David Lawlor, The Czech Inn
“If it makes people happy, it can only be a good at the minute, the way things are out there.”
Ciara “X”, The Vat House
“It’s good for business, but it’s messy.”
Brian Higgins, Fitzsimons
“Once we’re number one, I’m happy enough. Being number 12 is the problem.”
Dermott McCabe, Farrington’s
“It’s a great idea, fantastic. They’re only in your pub for one, it’s quick easy money and they they’re out. It’s good for bonding, and for people to get to know each other.”
David Gildea, The Quays
“I think in the past three to four years it’s definitely grown. I think it’s good once people drink in moderation. You’re grand if you’re getting them on their first pub.”
Barbara Giergielewicz, The Old Storehouse
“I think it’s a nice idea, but I don’t agree with rules such as ‘eating is cheating’. The idea, if you make a day out of it, is a nice one. But people should be more responsible.”
Tom Doone, Merchant’s Arch
“It’s great.”
