What would Maggie say....?

I haven't been in the UK for over 17 years, and I haven't lived there, on a permanent basis, for over 40, but I recall some years ago hearing of a certain Mrs M. Thatcher's outburst against what she called (I think) "Yuppies", who soiled the outsides of pubs and bars and wine bars with their presence, laying a trail of cigarette butts, uneaten bits of baguettes or crisps - were loud, impolite and generally gave the country a bad name - according to her!
Well, here in France, where the tendency always has been to sit outside instead of inside (probably due to the better weather) I wonder what Mrs Thatcher would have to say now, since the passing and application of the "No smoking" laws. In fact, the law is now that no smoking is allowed inside places, so - guess where the people smoke!
This actually applies in UK as well - certainly for Offices etc., and the entrances to Offices, Banks, and all the others are actually quite revolting.
BUT - It's the LAW OF THE LAND.......!
French cafés have always had some strange laws. Ashtrays, for example, are illegal, and have been for years! Hence the situation that Tourists can't understand - "French Bars are filthy things", thay say!
Actually, a well run bar was swept through on an average of every 15 minutes, even if ashtrays were supplied or not!
Why were ashtrays illegal...? They could be used as weapons!
In fact, strictly speaking, beer glasses, wine glasses, bottlesof all sorts ARE still illegal, for the same reason, and let's not talk about champagne coolers and pastis water jugs...all strictly speaking.... illegal!
Of course these laws are not applied, something which would probably infuriate Mrs M. Thatcher........!
Never mind - go and have a nice, agreeable, peaceful night out in the law-abiding UK, and appreciate the entertainment.........

   


A confirmed and adjured European.

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