The first pub at a motorway service area has opened today despite fierce criticism from road safety groups.
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon says that The Hope and Champion, which is located at Beaconsfield services on the M40 in Buckinghamshire, will be opened from 4am to 1am, seven days a week.
The pub began selling alcohol at 9am this morning and will sell a range of real ale from local and regional breweries, along with non-alcoholic drinks and food.
But road safety charity Brake has criticised the move, with Brake spokesman Richard Coteau saying: "The opening of a pub on a motorway is a serious concern, presenting a potentially deadly temptation to drivers. Drink-driving remains one of the biggest killers on our roads, causing devastation to families and communities every day.
"It is vitally important that messages about the dangers of drink-driving are as strong and obvious as possible, so drivers know it's not okay to stop off for a quick drink on their way home. Our advice is not to have a drop if you are driving."
The RAC said a survey of 2,000 people has found that only 12 per cent of respondents supported putting pubs into motorway service stations.
The RAC's head of external affairs Pete Williams said: "The public appear to be very much against the introduction of motorway pubs.
"We appreciate the vast majority of motorists drive responsibly and that alcohol is already available in shops at motorway services, but for many this decision seems to be at odds with common sense. In our view this is a risky and frankly unnecessary move."
But Steve Baldwin, manager of The Hope and Champion, said the £1.2million new pub, which is named after the old stagecoaches which passed through the area, carrying traffic between Oxford and London, would also serve the local area.
"The Hope and Champion primarily serves the motorway users, but its facilities are also available to the surrounding community."
The pub is around a mile away from the centre of Beaconsfield and can be accessed without using the M40 via the A355.
So, what do you think of The Hope and Champion? Should drivers be trusted not to drink and drive or is Wetherspoons being irresponsible?
Let us know by commenting below.
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