There is concern when bar staff say “same again?” and “is that a double?” guests are encouraged to binge drink, and so International Alliance for Responsible Drinking wants them banned
Popular phrases heard at the pub like “same again?” and “is that a double?” may be banned because of concern it encourages guests to get drunk.
Training guides for employees in the hospitality trade include the advice to curb the phrases, because it is feared they lead to binge drinking. Online courses – which are free for all staff – aim to stop workers using language entirely.
International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit group dedicated to reducing harmful drinking, has offered alternative language staff can use instead, such as “what would you like this time?,” rather than the traditional “same again” term.
But punters have slammed the guidelines, arguing they themselves are responsible for what they choose to drink and when. Writing online, drinkers shared their frustration. One posted: “I know I am not the only one fed up with this bloody world.” Another said: “It’s silly. It won’t make a scrap of difference.” A third stated: “What a load of nonsense, the world is going mad.” Others argued the move might be damaging for businesses.