Licensee blames babysitters' fees for quiet nights

Babysitters' fees are keeping people away from pubs, according to a licensee with 50 years' experience in the trade.

Liz Jackson, now 74 and a member of Cirencester Local Victualler's Association, ran the Crown at Cerney Wick near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, for 18 years with her husband Colin, and the White Hart at Winchcombe before that.

Despite selling up last year to retire, she is now helping her son, Andrew Crump, who recently took over the Plough at Stratton, owned by Arkell's Brewery.

"It's changed so much since the old days," said Jackson. "Friday nights was the men's night — and the women would stay at home.

"But on a Saturday night, it was steak and chips night and everyone would be out, leaving the kids with a babysitter. Trouble is that now, by the time you've paid the huge fees babysitters demand, there's not as much left to enjoy spending on a night out."

However, she reported an upsurge in trade on Saturdays at the family's new pub, despite Fridays traditionally being their busiest night.

"We feel that we've got 'two for the price of one' at the Plough with Andrew's enthusiasm and Liz's 50 years of expertise," said George Arkell of Arkell's.

"She is an incredible lady and we are proud and delighted that she came to work alongside Andrew."