Royal Blue

I know this made the news a few weeks ago, but this is the first time I've been in Keith since then, so permit me to revisit it.

The landlord at the Royal Hotel in Keith has banned drinkers from swearing in his bar - too much of it and you get punted out and reported to the police.

According to the folks I was speaking to in the pub (the Ploo) last night (no, not the Royal, it has to be said - I haven't been in there for a couple of years - and that has nothing to do with the swearing ban) most local folk have stopped drinking there. But that would appear to have little to do with the ban. I'm only in Keith a few times a year now, but I always tend to a more "local" bar (ie - less than 200 steps from my parents' house) which has much more atmosphere (and slightly cheaper drinks!).

I'd suggest that, while the publican's stance is principled and somewhat unusual in contemporary society, he does seem to be cutting his nose off to spite his face - especially at a time of an economic downturn. Takings are down (though that may not be directly related to the swearing ban - just the general atmosphere in the place). And no, before anyone suggests it, I don't think you have to swear to make a point (look back over the past year on here for proof) or have an "atmosphere". But you do need people, something that the bar now lacks.

I think that, while it was probably a good idea in his head, the idea has wound up as more of a publicity stunt than anything else. However, it seems to have driven away more customers than it has pulled in.

ps - image above is of the Royal Hotel, South Beach, Florida and has no connection with this story whatsoever. It was the only picture I could find of "Royal Hotel".