…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
The Golden Ball, a pub once frequented by Charles Dickens, has implemented a ban on racegoers, claiming that they deter regular customers.
As the Dante festival commenced at York Racecourse this week, the pub declared itself a “racegoers free zone” for the duration of the three-day event, which concludes today.
While bars in the city center typically benefit from the influx of thirsty race fans during such events, The Golden Ball staff stated that their regular patrons refrain from visiting on race days.
In a social media post announcing the trial, they expressed, “Golden Ball regulars rejoice – the pub will be a racegoers free zone this week.
We feel the races often detract our lovely regulars from visiting the pub on race days.
So, we wanted to give you a safe haven. Let us know your thoughts on this.”
Mixed Reactions and Debate
Opinions regarding the pub’s decision varied among the pub’s patrons.
One social media user commented, “Must be nice to be able to afford to turn people away when most other pubs are struggling.”
Another local replied, “I think it’s a bad policy.
I live locally, I like the Golden Ball, and I occasionally go to the races.
You can outlaw anti-social behavior without resorting to social engineering.”
Another individual added, “But what if you are a ‘local,’ want to go to the races, and then return to your ‘local’?” Meanwhile, a playful comment referred to the move as ‘race-ist.’
Support for the Pub’s Decision
However, there were also individuals who welcomed the move.
One woman stated, “Glad to see this policy.
As an old local who has moved away, it makes me want to visit more.”
Another comment read, “This pub is packed regularly.
Excluding a few fly-by-nights who will only go once a year won’t hit their pocket.”
A third supporter humorously remarked, “You could say that they’ve got some balls.
Golden balls.
As a bartender with three bar jobs, I can safely say that pubs and bars are doing just fine.
People are economizing but still socializing, so refusing entry to rowdy customers for a few days won’t bankrupt the pub.”
The History and Description of The Golden Ball
Situated approximately one-and-a-half miles from the racecourse, The Golden Ball is a cooperative-run pub with nearly 200 members.
The establishment, mentioned as a pub since 1773, boasts its status as a Grade II listed free-of-tie pub with a well-preserved Victorian layout and a beautiful tiled bar.
It takes pride in offering a variety of hand-pulled cask ales, with a focus on locally produced beer of exceptional quality.