A Controversial Subject

[Mr Darn]

Somethings been bothering me for a while now, and i dont really know if i'm just being racist in a religious way, or wether i actually have a point! so i'm gonna ask it here, where it shouldnt go off topic.

Another reason for it being here is it directly affects all areas of the UK including bedlington, so it should be valid for this section.

Anyways:

What do you think about the restrictions placed on companys for the sale of goods.

Ok, a bit more detail.

I'm not sure exactly, but i believe it is the christian way that no person shall work on a sunday. Maybe other religions also adopt this day as a rest day, or another day altogether, but its beside my point, my point is this:

Why should i, A person whom follows no religion* as such, be 'put out' by a law which states i cannot buy groceries after 10pm on a saturday, when this law is only in place because of a religious belief?

Why should this 'religious rule' be forced down my neck, when all other rules of society can be bent for other religions.

I have heard the argument 'people want a day off', and i agree, but why not just place a law that states 'No Person Shall Be Forced To Work More Than 6 Days In A Row' instead of 'no, you cant open your shop all day and night on the one day most people have off' or 'no you cant sell alcohol to anyone after 10pm on a saturday night'

It really gets my goat that in this world of 24 hour opening and 24 hour working times, i cannot go out at 22.01 and buy a pint of milk, or a 4 pack of lager.

My source is a discussion i had with an ASDA manager a few weeks back, when i asked why they closed at 22.00 on a saturday. He replied that store and many others like morrisons, tesco and Sainsburys would be open for its customers 24-7-365 if they were allowed.

i asked if it was because they were not allowed to employ people overnight on saturdays, and this is the best part:

THERE'S MORE WORKS THERE ON A SAT NIGHT AFTER 22.00 THAN ANY OTHER NIGHT OF THE WEEK!!!!

Its just CRAZY that this is forced upon non religious people.

Whats your views? should they be able to trade when they want?

* Yes, i have heard something about their being a religous name for anyone who has no religion, and that in it's self means its a religion!

[threegee]

The Sunday trading debate has been running since the 1960's - at least!

The religious angle is - and has always been - a red herring. It's all to do with outdated trades union attitudes going back far longer.

I don't even think that the big shop (that can afford the extra labour) / little shop (that may be put out of business) is even valid anymore. Lots of smaller businesses, often run by industrious immigrants, have disproved this. Remember "Open All Hours"?

Such trading restrictions, including local authority enforcement of local "closing days", are long overdue to be scrapped. I doubt that they've been properly enforced for decades anyway.

One thing we DO need to do is to put a permanent and total stop to out-of-town, often "green field", shopping developments. It's that that has killed the center of Bedlington and hundreds of towns besides. Megastores should operate by the same rules as smaller traders, and that includes zoning. If the market demands huge stores then it should be forced to pay the same cost per square meter as smaller traders have to pay, and/or buy those smaller traders out at a fair price.

[Mr Darn]

If the market demands huge stores then it should be forced to pay the same cost per square meter as smaller traders have to pay, and/or buy those smaller traders out at a fair price.

wouldnt that still kill off the traders?

even if they did pay the same, the price they get their products for is at a huge discount compared to town traders simply because of the shear bulk they buy it in.

It still bugs me that all i want is a bowl of cornflakes and i have no milk....

Anyone want to sell a pint for £5??

[threegee]

wouldnt that still kill off the traders?

even if they did pay the same, the price they get their products for is at a huge discount compared to town traders simply because of the shear bulk they buy it in.

Maybe and maybe not. At the end of the day you can't buck the market, but you can educate it. Specialist suppliers would still survive, even thrive. What it would do is to allow small traders to bow out gracefully if the competition got too hot. It would encourage innovation instead of the lowest-common-denominator culture we now have. The same mindset which is the root cause of our painfully regular factory-farming driven crises. Even under current anticompetitive conditions we have a few specialist food suppliers in Bedlington.

Anyone want to sell a pint for £5??

.. and that proves my point!

[Hamburger Pimp]

The Sunday trading laws a "controversial subject"?

You don't pull any punches do you, Mr Darn? One shudders to think what hard-hitting subjects you have waiting up your sleeve.

"Aren't these new 5p pieces fiddly, eh?"

"Opening milk cartons: what's that all about?"

"Eeeh, aren't the nights putting in?"

Keep sticking it to The Man, Darno. Fight the Power!

[Merlin]

wouldnt that still kill off the traders?

even if they did pay the same, the price they get their products for is at a huge discount compared to town traders simply because of the shear bulk they buy it in.

It still bugs me that all i want is a bowl of cornflakes and i have no milk....

Anyone want to sell a pint for £5??

how come i can buy tabs and alcohol cheaper at my local"Industrious immigrants"shop and at virtually anytime of the day and night?Is there not a law somewhere that prevents anyone selling contraband goods?Or does this law only apply if you are of the white denomination?Can I hide behind my so called religion to flout laws?NO!Don't tell me the authorities don't know what is going on and where!

As for the milk you'll have to check your fridge earlier and go and buy some

Theegee where are these specialist food outlets in Bedlington?Other than the butchers,and don't tell me you mean the takeaways and other eateries!

[Mr Darn]

The Sunday trading laws a "controversial subject"?

You don't pull any punches do you, Mr Darn? One shudders to think what hard-hitting subjects you have waiting up your sleeve.

It was the religious aspect that may have been controvertial.

[threegee]

....where are these specialist food outlets in Bedlington?Other than the butchers,and don't tell me you mean the takeaways and other eateries!

We've had a few delicatessens over the years. Smart one next to the PO when I last looked. There's also the outfit at Sleekburn growing/selling organic veg., not to mention the mini-brewery there. Caterers operating from private houses, the bakery at the station (sadly closed his Front Street shop, but you can't blame him with the attitude of the WDC to small business). At least two small butchers. A lady who makes cakes to order. The odd small fruit and veg shop still trading, and doubtless a few more non-chain suppliers of fresh goods I've yet to discover.

[Blank]

I think if someone wants to have their shop open for 24 hours a day then fair enough, if theres a big enough demand for milk on a Saturday night!

[threegee]

The Sunday trading laws a "controversial subject"?...

No, but the wider implications of how government handles retailing is!

IMHO interference and mishandling by politicians has destroyed whole communities, and wreaked plague on our countryside. It has also cost the country billions!

In the case of our Town there's a particular case to be answered by certain local politicians. They are far too frightened to come on here and discuss the matter lest they offend the party bosses in Westminster, or say something which will be picked up by the opposition or national press.

[Blank]

I have a question: Why are some shops closed half day on a Wednesday?

[threegee]

I have a question: Why are some shops closed half day on a Wednesday?

Because they obey the (outdated) law on closing days, which is supposed to be enforced by WDC.

[Monsta®]

I have a question: Why are some shops closed half day on a Wednesday?

cause there all off to blyth, cramlington or ashington to do some proper shopping!

[Malcolm Robinson]

* Yes, i have heard something about their being a religous name for anyone who has no religion, and that in it's self means its a religion!

Only if it is used as a noun!

[Malcolm Robinson]

In this day and age any shop should be allowed to service the needs of its customers and if that means being open at 3.00am for someone to buy a pint of milk or whatever so be it. I cannot see it being viable mind but the market will decided. The problem seems to be that the laws controlling this matter are, like most of the statutes, well past their “best before dates!” In a progressive and evolving environment these things need to be checked with some regularity to make sure they are suitable for the times they find themselves in.

The trading laws, which have only recently been relaxed, date from a time when supermarkets were just taking hold and the politicians must have thought there was mileage in banning the likes of Sunday trading by all but a very few retailers. Of course trade unions don’t want to see their members exploited or forced to work unsociable hours but by and large these places take on extra staff to do these late nights etc, so extra employment?

The thing that would trouble me is that if we have a finite amount of money in the economy then any money taken during these night time openings is effectively “lost” to the normal daytime opening hours and so might mean less staff needed during the day. Shopping online can on exacerbate this problem too so we can probably expect a much different shopping pattern to emerge in the near future and that will be down to people’s needs not some heavy handed and out-dated Gov regulation!

[Cympil]

It was the religious aspect that may have been controvertial.

I read somewhere that you used to work for Asda Mr Darn,is it true that when you go for interviews you have to tap your ar*e and sing

"It has to be Asda"?

[Merlin]

I read somewhere that you used to work for Asda Mr Darn,is it true that when you go for interviews you have to tap your ar*e and sing

"It has to be Asda"?

No Cympil thats only if you are in The Sun Inn :lol:

[Mr Darn]

I read somewhere that you used to work for Asda Mr Darn,is it true that when you go for interviews you have to tap your ar*e and sing

"It has to be Asda"?

That was once part of the recruitment process...

Basically what they did was humiliate you infront of everyone, tell you to do something, then when your half way thru they change it to something else...then something else ect ect.

Its a good ploy actually, as it weeds out anyone with a short temper, or anyone that cant see its a test. its funny to watch how many say "!*!@# this, i aint doing that for a stupid job stacking shelves!" as thats exactly the type of person it weeds out!

me personally, i had to do the 'house of cards' where as a group, we had to make a house of cards, but we had to estimate how many levels it would have before the end of 45 minutes.

the thing was, after 15 minutes, as we were getting to the end of level two, they moved the goalposts, and said each level had to be colour coded.

then, 15 minutes later they showed us the numbers on the cards, and said each level had to add up to 21.

The idea wasnt who could complete the challange, but who could handle the change the best, without losing their temper, as many did thinking they had failed the interview!

Others included selling a product to a manager...not as easy as it sounds when you have a tin of prunes, some tampons and a breast milker to choose from to sell to a male manager! and making a new uniform out of ASDA carrier bags, again the formula changed many times to confuse and upset people!

I believe the latest one is a board game, where you roll the dice, pick a card and tell the group how you would handle the customer that is described on the card.

The funniest bit is watching people lose their rag and walk out!

[Blank]

That was once part of the recruitment process...

Basically what they did was humiliate you infront of everyone, tell you to do something, then when your half way thru they change it to something else...then something else ect ect.

Its a good ploy actually, as it weeds out anyone with a short temper, or anyone that cant see its a test. its funny to watch how many say "!*!@# this, i aint doing that for a stupid job stacking shelves!" as thats exactly the type of person it weeds out!

me personally, i had to do the 'house of cards' where as a group, we had to make a house of cards, but we had to estimate how many levels it would have before the end of 45 minutes.

the thing was, after 15 minutes, as we were getting to the end of level two, they moved the goalposts, and said each level had to be colour coded.

then, 15 minutes later they showed us the numbers on the cards, and said each level had to add up to 21.

The idea wasnt who could complete the challange, but who could handle the change the best, without losing their temper, as many did thinking they had failed the interview!

Others included selling a product to a manager...not as easy as it sounds when you have a tin of prunes, some tampons and a breast milker to choose from to sell to a male manager! and making a new uniform out of ASDA carrier bags, again the formula changed many times to confuse and upset people!

I believe the latest one is a board game, where you roll the dice, pick a card and tell the group how you would handle the customer that is described on the card.

The funniest bit is watching people lose their rag and walk out!

Who would want to work for one of the richest companys in the UK, for minimum wage?

Wait, I'm thinking of Tesco.

[Pete]

That was once part of the recruitment process...

Basically what they did was humiliate you infront of everyone, tell you to do something, then when your half way thru they change it to something else...then something else ect ect.

Its a good ploy actually, as it weeds out anyone with a short temper, or anyone that cant see its a test. its funny to watch how many say "!*!@# this, i aint doing that for a stupid job stacking shelves!" as thats exactly the type of person it weeds out!

me personally, i had to do the 'house of cards' where as a group, we had to make a house of cards, but we had to estimate how many levels it would have before the end of 45 minutes.

the thing was, after 15 minutes, as we were getting to the end of level two, they moved the goalposts, and said each level had to be colour coded.

then, 15 minutes later they showed us the numbers on the cards, and said each level had to add up to 21.

The idea wasnt who could complete the challange, but who could handle the change the best, without losing their temper, as many did thinking they had failed the interview!

Others included selling a product to a manager...not as easy as it sounds when you have a tin of prunes, some tampons and a breast milker to choose from to sell to a male manager! and making a new uniform out of ASDA carrier bags, again the formula changed many times to confuse and upset people!

I believe the latest one is a board game, where you roll the dice, pick a card and tell the group how you would handle the customer that is described on the card.

The funniest bit is watching people lose their rag and walk out!

The only thing Asda's good for is ruining communities, watch the film Wall Mart and see how many life's have been ruined by that organisation.

[Mr Darn]

The only thing Asda's good for is ruining communities, watch the film Wall Mart and see how many life's have been ruined by that organisation.

Not entirely correct there pete me old mate!

ASDA, or rather AsDa, was known as Assosiated Dairys when it first started trading in england, then the name was shortened to ASDA when they went countrywide.

Wall*Mart has only been part of ASDA for less than a decade, when they bought the company and the trading name when ASDA was about to go bust a while back.

Its well known throughout the current 'ASDA' that working conditions, morale and the general environment were destroyed slowly but surely when the american company took over.

Now i believe it has a bigger turnover of staff than a years bricklaying course has, as the conditions are so bad no-one wants to work there, and as soon as a job shoveling coal comes along the smart ones take the job, and the thick ones become ASDA managers!

...Nothing against the managers tho

[Monsta®]

Not entirely correct there pete me old mate!

ASDA, or rather AsDa, was known as Assosiated Dairys when it first started trading in england, then the name was shortened to ASDA when they went countrywide.

Wall*Mart has only been part of ASDA for less than a decade, when they bought the company and the trading name when ASDA was about to go bust a while back.

Its well known throughout the current 'ASDA' that working conditions, morale and the general environment were destroyed slowly but surely when the american company took over.

Now i believe it has a bigger turnover of staff than a years bricklaying course has, as the conditions are so bad no-one wants to work there, and as soon as a job shoveling coal comes along the smart ones take the job, and the thick ones become ASDA managers!

...Nothing against the managers tho

wrong its ASquith and DAiries!

[Malcolm Robinson]

"Wall*Mart has only been part of ASDA for less than a decade, when they bought the company and the trading name when ASDA was about to go bust a while back."

Was it about to go bust? Didn't know that, I thought Archie was held up as the shining example of caring capitalism even being tipped as a future PM after he became a Tory party adviser and MP.

[Mr Darn]

wrong its ASquith and DAiries!

Afraid not young sir! (i double checked to make sure!)

[Merlin]

Not entirely correct there pete me old mate!

ASDA, or rather AsDa, was known as Assosiated Dairys when it first started trading in england, then the name was shortened to ASDA when they went countrywide.

Wall*Mart has only been part of ASDA for less than a decade, when they bought the company and the trading name when ASDA was about to go bust a while back.

Its well known throughout the current 'ASDA' that working conditions, morale and the general environment were destroyed slowly but surely when the american company took over.

Now i believe it has a bigger turnover of staff than a years bricklaying course has, as the conditions are so bad no-one wants to work there, and as soon as a job shoveling coal comes along the smart ones take the job, and the thick ones become ASDA managers!

...Nothing against the managers tho

Funny I been shoppin at Blyth Asda for a long time and I still see the same old tired faces.

This smacks of a grudge.Were you sacked by any chance Mr Darn?

Were you caught dipping your fish finger in the cod pieces?

Were you practicing your over the counter skills?

Or did you just help yourself to some B.O.G.O.F's :lol: