Rival bar owners question 'no solo drinkers' rule

Would-be customers at Alibi in Altrincham are alerted to the bar's entry rules

Hospitality workers have questioned why a bar owner decided to ban late-night solo drinkers from entering his premises.

Carl Peters, owner of the Alibi cocktail and karaoke bar in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, faced scrutiny this week due to his "single entry ban after 9pm" policy.

Mr Peters defended the rule, which he said had been in place since the venue first opened its doors in 2022.

He said it had been introduced to "mitigate risk" and "protect customers from mithering (being harrassed)".

Mr Peters said the decision was "non-controversial" and had been intended to both protect solo drinkers suffering from medical episodes and other revellers from unwanted attention.

Others working in Greater Manchester's hospitality sector have voiced their confusion about Alibi's rule and reassured customers they would not be judged for turning up alone.

Christopher Rawlinson is general manager at The Salmon of Knowledge pub in Salford Quays

Christopher Rawlinson, general manager at The Salmon of Knowledge in Salford Quays, said: "This hasn't been thought through - it smacks very much of blue-sky thinking.

"Pubs and bars are a meeting house. I met my wife in a pub. Also what if you have just finished work at 8.30pm and want go for a quick pint?"

Barman Chris added: "It's the blokes on their own that keep this industry ticking over. We have plenty of customers who come in alone, some with their dogs, some to watch sport."

Down the road in Manchester's Northern Quarter, similar sentiments were heard.

Mike Ramsden, manager at Tariff and Dale, said it was "normal" for customers to wander in for a solo drink.

"That's not a policy we would have ourselves," he said of Alibi's rule.

"There are a lot of places around here that have people coming in, sitting at the bar by themselves and chatting to the bartenders.

"I don't think that a person being on their own makes them any different to someone in a group.

"The fact that someone is on their own doesn't make them any more of a threat. I can see no reason why a single person would be an issue."

Carl Peters said he takes pride in how safe his customers feel in Alibi

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), a consumer organisation which promotes traditional British pubs and clubs, has reiterated the social aspect of pub culture.

However, it encouraged licensees to establish rules which reflect their clientele.

Pub and club campaigns director Gary Timmins said: "Licensees are in a position to judge what's best for both their business, staff and customers.

"This approach might not work for every pub, especially if they've got customers that come in alone to enjoy the well-documented social and wellbeing benefits of pub-going and being part of a greater community.

"Licensees need to be crystal clear with consumers about any policies and rules they choose to have, to avoid confusion and let pub-goers make their own informed choices where to go for a pint."