Don't bet on any big changes at the bookies

Fans of the traditional smoky, slightly sleazy bookie can rest easy. Government plans to give bookmakers a licence to serve hot food will not mean punters having to cope with an influx of cafés and coffee shops as they check out the 3.30 at Newmarket, bookmakers said last week.

A spokesman for William Hill said punters were unlikely to see radical changes, except perhaps in one or two flagship shops. "We are not going to be turning into a Berni Inn or a Little Chef overnight. What we know about is placing bets," he said.

Bookmakers have been able to offer customers snacks and soft drinks for the past couple of years. "We are not aware of any demand above and beyond that," the spokesman added.

Ladbrokes was more enthusiastic. The coffee shop in its Northumberland Avenue shop in London had proved a great draw since it opened last October, said a spokesman, and more were now in the pipeline.

"It is something we will definitely be looking at. It has been very, very popular both with existing punters and new customers. People like to come in and just have a coffee," the spokesman added.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 4 April 2002