Drunken hen party hell for Micklegate traders (From York Press)

I was recently walking through the centre and overheard three women (two in their 20s and on mid-40s) saying that they love visiting York but would no longer come to stay overnight because of the stag and hen (particularly hen) parties. Worrying to hear this, not only for the shops and cafes/restaurants, but also for the hotels and guesthouses. I appreciate that controlling this is a challenge and nobody wants to stop others having fun, nor to take away the trade that stag and hen parties bring to the city, but it would seem time for a group of representatives from shops, food outlets, accommodation, the city council and the police to get round a table and come up with a strategy. I'd be more than happy to be involved.

all tourists and visitors i speak to are appalled by the behaviour in the centre of York which now starts in the middle of the day. Sole blame lies with the planning authorities who have allowed bars and clubs to move in and take over the Ouse Bridge area, where most tourists will walk through. No one i know will venture into that part of town on weekend nights. Just having some fun is OK but obscene and unsocial behaviour is now the norm. Cheap shots and extended hours are to blame

Drunks don't go in Knitwear shops and the litter has all gone because the council make a point of getting rid of it very early after drunk race days so the tourists don't see it.

You know that sinking feeling you get as a resident where you're walking down Coney Street at 1100hrs and crossing your path are a bunch of Geordies dragging suitcases on wheels at speed talking excitedly, trying to find their hotel. Like a few minutes really makes all the difference to the amount of fun/alcohol consumption they are going to get at that time of the morning.......

It's not a minority causing the problem anymore - but if the council, racecourse and other invested interests are making a profit it doesn't matter what the citizens want. The race and partygoers have become our 'Jabberwocky' and our 'Guilds' won't lift a finger.

A few weeks ago, I walked home through town late one Saturday night. I'd spent most of the evening in two very good real ale pubs. As I came down Skeldergate, I happened to look up one of the side streets and saw 3 MILFy hens with their skirts hooked up past their waists, knickers down to the ankles, crouching. Anybody who knows Skeldergate knows that most of the of the side streets are uphill and indeed, that explained the torrent of urine that was gushing my way helped on by the earth's angular momentum. Just as I had clocked them, they clocked me. "What are you looking at you dirty b*gger?" politely enquired the paralytic Geordie lady. I said nothing. I just smiled, tipped her the wink and wandered on my merry way thinking about the delicious irony of what Northern woman had just said.

It's a problem York, it's a problem in many other cities. At least they weren't pumping number two's. Thanks for small mercies.

PMSL for drunken Northern ladies.

I'd just like to add that there are some racegoers, myself included, who go for a day out and have a great day without making a fool of myself. Not everyone who goes to York Races is a drunken animal! They spoil it for everyone else, at the course and in the town later. But there are plenty of people who leave that course sober who love the city of York and would stay longer to enjoy it if the drunks could handle themselves with a little dignity.

You do wonder where the prominent voices from those, ever so concerned, big traders are, weren't they the ones keen on preserving our city centre a few months back. Perhaps these hen parties buy a lot of overpriced, tacky ornaments!

Can we start by banning fancy dress?
It used to be good natured and in some cases funny, but the majority of the girls seem to want to dress up like hookers!

Its no surprise when they are all brawling at the end of the night and the drunk men are fighting over them.

from now on, please would only, smartly dressed, city types wearing suites come into my tattoo parlour.
thanks awfully........ tosspot.

What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

Hopefully this will drive more people out of York City Centre and to Monks Cross :)

Yeh, it already is driving locals who live in the City to go elsewhere. This has been a major issue, I posted about most of my experiences on many of the other news articles on here over the last 6months about the behaviour York now attracts, it's becoming a (no disrespect), Blackpool-esque town with regards to the drinking culture and trashy night out expected.
This trader is merely stating the obvious, as locals and others sit back and hope something is done about it!
Race Days do seem to create an absolutely horrendous environment to be around. Why do people seem to come all the way here, simply to watch animals run really quickly accross some grass! I'm not the fun police, I go to festivals, and all over to good quality events, yet Horse racing has always baffled me. Pretend to be a man or woman of status for the day and chuck some money in a bookies pocket. Then roll around on the floor at 4 in the morning... sigh! Seriously see a better less hostile atmosphere at Leeds Festival than a race day York. FACT!

A friend from rural lancashire in his 70s was in York for the last book fair, and insisted on meeting for a pint in The Ackhorne at 6pm one Saturday evening before catching the train home, because it was such a nice pub when he was growing up in York in the 1950s. Try as I did to dissuade him from that idea and go to one of the very few drinking establishments left in the city that does not put up with yobs and is thus still relatively civilised (The Minster Inn and the City Screen bar being the two obvious candidates - expensive, but you get what you pay for), he insisted on his nostalgia trip ... and let's say, that it made for an interesting evening!

And of course, just as the council is now whining about the fall in parking revenue resulting from its war against the motorist, what will happen is that as the leases on the Micklegate shops are up, they will move out, either to a more civilised part of town or out of town altogether. And then the council will complain about falling business rates, oblivious to the fact that if they'd cracked down on the yobs in the first place, the problem wouldn't have happened.

Scrap the idea of 20mph zones. Get as many oaps as possible with poor eyesight and poor reactions to drive down Micklegate at 30mph during drinking time and rely upon natural selection. Drunken scrote numbers would diminish rapidly. Simples.

How many more stories like this one will it take before York does something about this problem? If you want this beautiful city to be completely handed over to these drunken hags screeching around the centre of town then I suggest the city continues to do nothing about it.

lol

These tourists are obviously coming for a reason. They are spending money in the bars, hotels and restaurants in York. If it was a ghost town, you'd have no business whatsoever.

Am I the only one who thinks that Mr Archibald looks somewhat porcine. (Scroll up quickly to get the full effect.) If only that ring was through his nose. Perhaps with an apple.
Gosh, how those women who dress up for hen parties diminish the image of the city.

YorkDrinker wrote:
Can we start by banning fancy dress?
It used to be good natured and in some cases funny, but the majority of the girls seem to want to dress up like hookers!

Its no surprise when they are all brawling at the end of the night and the drunk men are fighting over them.

I always say that if men a brawling you should smack the nearest gobby woman because invariably, she has caused the problems.....along with the drink of course.

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Coriolanus wrote:
Am I the only one who thinks that Mr Archibald looks somewhat porcine. (Scroll up quickly to get the full effect.) If only that ring was through his nose. Perhaps with an apple.
Gosh, how those women who dress up for hen parties diminish the image of the city.

What has how he looks got to do with anything?

andy jamo wrote:
from now on, please would only, smartly dressed, city types wearing suites come into my tattoo parlour.
thanks awfully........ tosspot.

This says it all i wonder how many other tattoo studios have to deal with hen and stag groups I would imagine it would effect them all at some point in any city I think many cities are worse than York stag and hen groups i can honestly say I have never been afraid to walk down micklegate for any reason day or night and have never heard anyone say they have a problem with micklegate either I think this is a bit far fetched and can't imagine they are suffering hen party hell really these full grown large tattooed, pierced men lock the door and pretend to be closed in fear of hen parties.

@MrChuckles you are a fool!

I love racing, if I want to give my money to a bookie, I will, nothing to do with you. I am not trying to be something I am not, I just happen to enjoy it. I have been going to York races since I was a child and only saw 1 fight in 30 years. If you see lots, maybe you are the problem.
As far as festivals go...I was a Reading when Daphne and Celeste were bottled off the stage, many of the toilet blocks were burned to the ground and lots and lots of robbing. Leeds fest, I have seen people off their faces from 9 am to 4am.

I guess you are the sort of scrounger that hates to see people having fun, if involves being smartly dressed. I pity you!

The large budget 'hotel' at the top of Micklegate, and the large budget 'hotel' at the bottom of Micklegate advertise for groups, maybe you should write to them!

Micklegate is emptying because there are no quality cafe's since the Blakeshead bookstore closed. Take a look at Bishopthorpe Road where good quality cafes have regenerated the area. Open a great food place and the crowds will find you.

eeoodares wrote:
@MrChuckles you are a fool!

I love racing, if I want to give my money to a bookie, I will, nothing to do with you. I am not trying to be something I am not, I just happen to enjoy it. I have been going to York races since I was a child and only saw 1 fight in 30 years. If you see lots, maybe you are the problem.
As far as festivals go...I was a Reading when Daphne and Celeste were bottled off the stage, many of the toilet blocks were burned to the ground and lots and lots of robbing. Leeds fest, I have seen people off their faces from 9 am to 4am.

I guess you are the sort of scrounger that hates to see people having fun, if involves being smartly dressed. I pity you!

Eeoodares. After reading your comment, it is clear you are the scum in a cheap suit that we all hate. Take your orange faced slapper elsewhere.

@ Woody G Mellor

Should you not be finding a job rather than flinging abuse around on this website?

You are exactly the sort of person that brings the quality of life of honest decent people down.

You appear to judge the quality of a garment or the quality of the person wearing it by its cost. You then attempt to insult my wife. These comments sum you up. You really do deserve sympathy, yet I feel I should express my sympathy to your neighbours and family.

If you want to know whats wrong with todays society, just read this message board.

People threatening each other, insulting each other.

The irony is that the sub-text is about how people conduct themselves in public. Those on the moral high ground can't even conduct themselves on a virtual forum.

@Woody G Mellor

I see that you have used the cheap suit/orange faced insult before! It was not pleasant the first time, the second time it really shows your true colours.
Disgrace.

i agree that fancy dress has been taken to far in some cases , i often walk up micklegate with my children who are always asking why people are acting like that i have also been in this studio before and seen how many partys go past jon is the piercer by the way not tattoo artist , i have however never seen any police patrolling mickle gate during the day maybe this would control things a bit .

eeoodares wrote:
@Woody G Mellor

I see that you have used the cheap suit/orange faced insult before! It was not pleasant the first time, the second time it really shows your true colours.
Disgrace.

It wasn't meant to be a compliment.

Ps. I am self-employed and I employ others. I think I do my bit for society.

eeoodares wrote:
@MrChuckles you are a fool!

I love racing, if I want to give my money to a bookie, I will, nothing to do with you. I am not trying to be something I am not, I just happen to enjoy it. I have been going to York races since I was a child and only saw 1 fight in 30 years. If you see lots, maybe you are the problem.
As far as festivals go...I was a Reading when Daphne and Celeste were bottled off the stage, many of the toilet blocks were burned to the ground and lots and lots of robbing. Leeds fest, I have seen people off their faces from 9 am to 4am.

I guess you are the sort of scrounger that hates to see people having fun, if involves being smartly dressed. I pity you!

Ha, well that is a fair enough point..granted.
However fundamental differences do exist between one of Europes biggest music events and a little historic town in the middle of England having to put up with what no longer seems like a minority of race goers, causing locals and visitors grief.
The differences are huge, I feel if I was to put them all here I will be merely stating what many would notice is clearly the obvious (blatantly oblivious to your pleasent self).
Firslty Reading and Leeds caters for a far greater audience within a confined area (A campsite and Arena) therefore locals are only majorly hastled by noise and traffic. Also caters for a diverse range of tastes, a younger audience wah wah wah... the list goes on. But importantly in recent years the thefts you used as an exmaple and trouble havn't been as bigger issues at these festivals, mainly because the council threatened to take the license away (York Council might want to look at that one). Leeds is the only one I have been to, so can only comment on that and in recent years it does "on the surface" appear visually a more pleasent place to be, when compared to York on a night, when the bookies canon fodder is in town.
I wish it wasn't the case and i'm not biased, Yorks a beutiful place. In the last 3 /4 years though, it sadly is just what is happening. The races drag this place down nowadays from what I have seen.
People having fun "smartly dressed" You think I'm against it? Ha, all your argument is based on is a patch-work quilt of "I BET you are this, I bet you are that". Lets again, state an obvious, these "smartly dressed" people look an utter disgrace come 1 or 2 in the morning, lets go back to our faverite comparison Reading / Races.. the younger audience at Reading 18/19 are away from mum and dad...maybe they have a slight minor excuse... not grown adults running around causing violence, pi*sing in streets of a historic town, scrapping like a plague of disrespectful rats and intimidating any families or tourists who want to enjoy themselves. Ok, scrapping and general moronic behaviour happens at all times on a fri and sat night, but it increases dramatically when the races are on.
1 fight in 30 years? Congratulations, but I worked in a bar in York and over the Ebor meet alone waiting for a taxi home at stonebow, I could trump you on that statistic in one night (sadly the truth - I wish it wasn't) one time.. in just one night, I have seen the Police have to drag a woman off a man she chased with a shoe raised above here head, a group of lads in "suits" decide to push in at the taxi line and turn on a chap who was waiting quietly for a long time and tried to stick up for himself with his girlfriend etc.. etc...
Also sadly for your argument "maybe you are the problem", Well, I know I am not the problem, (sorry to dissapoint) I like to treat people how I want to be treated and I love a good time, maybe I still have the odd night I drink too much, but I would never treat a Town / place / etc in the way people "smartly" dressed feel they can when the races are on.
I'm sure thousands go and enjoy it without causing any trouble but a massive amount are an issue!
I don't need your "pity" but I appreciate the gesture, im tempted to offer you mine, but I don't sink as low as to offer it to someone I don't know over the internet.
Better look next time and have fun watching animals run really quickly.
I hear there is a good place to watch snail racing, both horses and snails are animals right? both events have bookies, right up your street? I hear people have gone to it for 30 years and seen NO fights?

MrChuckles wrote:

eeoodares wrote:
@MrChuckles you are a fool!

I love racing, if I want to give my money to a bookie, I will, nothing to do with you. I am not trying to be something I am not, I just happen to enjoy it. I have been going to York races since I was a child and only saw 1 fight in 30 years. If you see lots, maybe you are the problem.
As far as festivals go...I was a Reading when Daphne and Celeste were bottled off the stage, many of the toilet blocks were burned to the ground and lots and lots of robbing. Leeds fest, I have seen people off their faces from 9 am to 4am.

I guess you are the sort of scrounger that hates to see people having fun, if involves being smartly dressed. I pity you!

Ha, well that is a fair enough point..granted.
However fundamental differences do exist between one of Europes biggest music events and a little historic town in the middle of England having to put up with what no longer seems like a minority of race goers, causing locals and visitors grief.
The differences are huge, I feel if I was to put them all here I will be merely stating what many would notice is clearly the obvious (blatantly oblivious to your pleasent self).
Firslty Reading and Leeds caters for a far greater audience within a confined area (A campsite and Arena) therefore locals are only majorly hastled by noise and traffic. Also caters for a diverse range of tastes, a younger audience wah wah wah... the list goes on. But importantly in recent years the thefts you used as an exmaple and trouble havn't been as bigger issues at these festivals, mainly because the council threatened to take the license away (York Council might want to look at that one). Leeds is the only one I have been to, so can only comment on that and in recent years it does "on the surface" appear visually a more pleasent place to be, when compared to York on a night, when the bookies canon fodder is in town.
I wish it wasn't the case and i'm not biased, Yorks a beutiful place. In the last 3 /4 years though, it sadly is just what is happening. The races drag this place down nowadays from what I have seen.
People having fun "smartly dressed" You think I'm against it? Ha, all your argument is based on is a patch-work quilt of "I BET you are this, I bet you are that". Lets again, state an obvious, these "smartly dressed" people look an utter disgrace come 1 or 2 in the morning, lets go back to our faverite comparison Reading / Races.. the younger audience at Reading 18/19 are away from mum and dad...maybe they have a slight minor excuse... not grown adults running around causing violence, pi*sing in streets of a historic town, scrapping like a plague of disrespectful rats and intimidating any families or tourists who want to enjoy themselves. Ok, scrapping and general moronic behaviour happens at all times on a fri and sat night, but it increases dramatically when the races are on.
1 fight in 30 years? Congratulations, but I worked in a bar in York and over the Ebor meet alone waiting for a taxi home at stonebow, I could trump you on that statistic in one night (sadly the truth - I wish it wasn't) one time.. in just one night, I have seen the Police have to drag a woman off a man she chased with a shoe raised above here head, a group of lads in "suits" decide to push in at the taxi line and turn on a chap who was waiting quietly for a long time and tried to stick up for himself with his girlfriend etc.. etc...
Also sadly for your argument "maybe you are the problem", Well, I know I am not the problem, (sorry to dissapoint) I like to treat people how I want to be treated and I love a good time, maybe I still have the odd night I drink too much, but I would never treat a Town / place / etc in the way people "smartly" dressed feel they can when the races are on.
I'm sure thousands go and enjoy it without causing any trouble but a massive amount are an issue!
I don't need your "pity" but I appreciate the gesture, im tempted to offer you mine, but I don't sink as low as to offer it to someone I don't know over the internet.
Better look next time and have fun watching animals run really quickly.
I hear there is a good place to watch snail racing, both horses and snails are animals right? both events have bookies, right up your street? I hear people have gone to it for 30 years and seen NO fights?

Well put Mr Chuckles. I wish I could be as restrained as you.

reap and get your just rewards . . . toy town. . . .

MrChuckles wrote:

eeoodares wrote:
@MrChuckles you are a fool!

I love racing, if I want to give my money to a bookie, I will, nothing to do with you. I am not trying to be something I am not, I just happen to enjoy it. I have been going to York races since I was a child and only saw 1 fight in 30 years. If you see lots, maybe you are the problem.
As far as festivals go...I was a Reading when Daphne and Celeste were bottled off the stage, many of the toilet blocks were burned to the ground and lots and lots of robbing. Leeds fest, I have seen people off their faces from 9 am to 4am.

I guess you are the sort of scrounger that hates to see people having fun, if involves being smartly dressed. I pity you!

Ha, well that is a fair enough point..granted.
However fundamental differences do exist between one of Europes biggest music events and a little historic town in the middle of England having to put up with what no longer seems like a minority of race goers, causing locals and visitors grief.
The differences are huge, I feel if I was to put them all here I will be merely stating what many would notice is clearly the obvious (blatantly oblivious to your pleasent self).
Firslty Reading and Leeds caters for a far greater audience within a confined area (A campsite and Arena) therefore locals are only majorly hastled by noise and traffic. Also caters for a diverse range of tastes, a younger audience wah wah wah... the list goes on. But importantly in recent years the thefts you used as an exmaple and trouble havn't been as bigger issues at these festivals, mainly because the council threatened to take the license away (York Council might want to look at that one). Leeds is the only one I have been to, so can only comment on that and in recent years it does "on the surface" appear visually a more pleasent place to be, when compared to York on a night, when the bookies canon fodder is in town.
I wish it wasn't the case and i'm not biased, Yorks a beutiful place. In the last 3 /4 years though, it sadly is just what is happening. The races drag this place down nowadays from what I have seen.
People having fun "smartly dressed" You think I'm against it? Ha, all your argument is based on is a patch-work quilt of "I BET you are this, I bet you are that". Lets again, state an obvious, these "smartly dressed" people look an utter disgrace come 1 or 2 in the morning, lets go back to our faverite comparison Reading / Races.. the younger audience at Reading 18/19 are away from mum and dad...maybe they have a slight minor excuse... not grown adults running around causing violence, pi*sing in streets of a historic town, scrapping like a plague of disrespectful rats and intimidating any families or tourists who want to enjoy themselves. Ok, scrapping and general moronic behaviour happens at all times on a fri and sat night, but it increases dramatically when the races are on.
1 fight in 30 years? Congratulations, but I worked in a bar in York and over the Ebor meet alone waiting for a taxi home at stonebow, I could trump you on that statistic in one night (sadly the truth - I wish it wasn't) one time.. in just one night, I have seen the Police have to drag a woman off a man she chased with a shoe raised above here head, a group of lads in "suits" decide to push in at the taxi line and turn on a chap who was waiting quietly for a long time and tried to stick up for himself with his girlfriend etc.. etc...
Also sadly for your argument "maybe you are the problem", Well, I know I am not the problem, (sorry to dissapoint) I like to treat people how I want to be treated and I love a good time, maybe I still have the odd night I drink too much, but I would never treat a Town / place / etc in the way people "smartly" dressed feel they can when the races are on.
I'm sure thousands go and enjoy it without causing any trouble but a massive amount are an issue!
I don't need your "pity" but I appreciate the gesture, im tempted to offer you mine, but I don't sink as low as to offer it to someone I don't know over the internet.
Better look next time and have fun watching animals run really quickly.
I hear there is a good place to watch snail racing, both horses and snails are animals right? both events have bookies, right up your street? I hear people have gone to it for 30 years and seen NO fights?

as a cleaner on york station working nights i couldent agree more

If a place is allowed to go downhill and look tatty it will naturally attract tat.

I like a drink as much as the next man - especially if he's paying - but it seems to me that York has gone too far in catering for the needs of the "18-30" crowd.

As far as I am aware...

1. It is still an offence to be drunk and incapable in public.
2. Licensees can lose their licence if they serve alcohol to customers who are clearly drunk
3. Alcohol licenses are renewed on an annual basis, by magistrates who take on board public and police comment.

IF that is the case, and IF York's population is so outraged by hen-party tourism and sozzled racegoers then the solution would seem to be simple : apply the existing laws!

Or,has the city's economy become so reliant on supplying booze and takeaways until dawn that the power-that-be are scared to do anything to change the current culture ?

If so, that really would be a worrying development.

York Council will never listen to the opinion of the residents on anything seen to be ruining the character of York . Take note of what was said about the Wheel ( failed miserably ) Bendy Buses ( withdrawn) Bus and Bike lanes etc etc Certainly no one will listen to the immature and petty comments that frequently appear on these forums .

I could not tell you about fights at 1am in the City centre as I am long home by that point. I am sick and tired of people targeting people in suits. Because hey want to look smart. Maybe I do not see the fights because I choose to avoid the areas where they start.
I find the City intimidating on weekends anyway so do not go in. I had to go for a meal on a Saturday at Wagamama, by 9 pm some people were obviously drunk. That is how I remember York from years ago not just when the races are on.
I do see groups of people toppling out of the Prem/Trav lodges on a morning after checking in to go into the City to get drunk. It is these people that concern me.

Primarily this is yet another failure of the police to do their job. They have lost control of the streets of York.

Sillybillies wrote:
Primarily this is yet another failure of the police to do their job. They have lost control of the streets of York.

Rather I think the police having the unenviable task of having to deal with the results of magistrates who grant licences and extended opening hours without considering the possible consequences. Licencees who flout the laws and are unable to control their customers and insist on serving those who are obviously already drunk. Human beings who are unable to control themselves in regard to their drinking and heap their nastiness/ugliness and uncontrolled behaviour upon all and sundry including the police. No, I am not a police officer and have no connection to any either.

I say refuse Geordies entry into the city.

roobarb85 wrote:
I like a drink as much as the next man - especially if he's paying - but it seems to me that York has gone too far in catering for the needs of the "18-30" crowd.

As far as I am aware...

1. It is still an offence to be drunk and incapable in public.
2. Licensees can lose their licence if they serve alcohol to customers who are clearly drunk
3. Alcohol licenses are renewed on an annual basis, by magistrates who take on board public and police comment.

IF that is the case, and IF York's population is so outraged by hen-party tourism and sozzled racegoers then the solution would seem to be simple : apply the existing laws!

Or,has the city's economy become so reliant on supplying booze and takeaways until dawn that the power-that-be are scared to do anything to change the current culture ?

If so, that really would be a worrying development.

This comment hits the nail on the head.
Every weekend and race days, hen and stag parties or just large groups of men, women or even mixed groups wander around town, men dressed in shiny cheap suits in a poor attempt to look smart while the women seem to all shop at Anne Summers for their evening wear, tottering around on stilts/high heels and all of them are; too loud, too drunk, foul mouthed, abusive and totally inconsiderate of the families, old people, children and everyone else who find their behaviour inappropriate at any time of the day, let alone at lunchtime outside WH Smiths etc.

But as the person above says, the bar staff are committing an offence to sell alcohol to drunk people, the drunk people are committing an offence being disorderly and unsociable in public, and any argument that we should put up with it simply because of the revenue they bring to the city is counter balanced by the revenue lost by other tourists and residents staying away.

I for one don’t want York City Council to be wasting my council tax on special drunk busses and ambulance stations because A&E is so full of people who don’t know how to drink responsibly, or for the police to waste their time breaking up fights while the streets stink of urine and sick that doesn’t seem to get cleaned up with the extra street cleaning that goes on in the early hours. I want the existing laws to be up held, tackling the cause not the symptoms. Its not rocket science.

why go crying to the press about this? deal with it! you said you locked the door when a group come down past the shop (****) as long as your turning them away your doing the right things and if piercing doesnt work for you try working in a sex shop because you look like a right ****

pervert police wrote:
why go crying to the press about this? deal with it! you said you locked the door when a group come down past the shop (****) as long as your turning them away your doing the right things and if piercing doesnt work for you try working in a sex shop because you look like a right ****

Yup. And what do you look like after that post you....

pervert police wrote:
why go crying to the press about this? deal with it! you said you locked the door when a group come down past the shop (****) as long as your turning them away your doing the right things and if piercing doesnt work for you try working in a sex shop because you look like a right ****

Yup. And what do you look like after that post you....

Well. I've just got back home from a great day at York races. Was there any trouble whilst we were there? NO.

But I must say, by looking at some of the gangs of gym going,boozing freaks I saw today. There may be trouble ahead.

Not that The Press will report it like.

The answer is not racist at all, since Geordie isn't a race. There are however plenty of Geordies to be found at the races though!

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Ok, so you dont go down Micklegate any more and have rarely done so in a couple of years, yet you know first hand that it is rowdier????? What???

You avoid it yet you sat waiting 2 hours for a man dressed as a large penis to come out of a pub on a street that you dont go down?????

As for obscene outfits, being dressed as a giant penis is not very tasteful, but the kind of obscenity referred to in this article is someone dressed in almost nothing, and being indecent, and I have seen it first hand and seen them being refused entry.

I know from many of the local businesses including the pubs that trade in the street is down in the region of 20% over the last two years primarily due to the state of the economy, and that other than on a weekend when the stag and hens are out, the kind of drinkers in the street are changing from the rowdy groups of youths to the more distinguished drinkers who frequent the likes of Briganties, The Artful Dodger and the Accorn.

Mr Archibald has done himself and his neighbors a great disservice with this article. In the last year or so a large number of traders in Micklegate have come together to try and improve the reputation and image of the street, attempting to shed the old reputation of the Micklegate run which is long dead and reverse this downturn in revenue. They have held several events this year which have been very successful introducing people to the businesses that exist there, and also attracting a couple of new ones. Yes it still has a night time economy, but it is a shadow of its former self, but it is comments like Mr Archibalds, and yours which do nothing to help this change, and indeed impede it.

It would be nice if people actually based their opinions on the current
situation, not on what they have read or heard from people from years ago.

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Ok, so you dont go down Micklegate any more and have rarely done so in a couple of years, yet you know first hand that it is rowdier????? What???

You avoid it yet you sat waiting 2 hours for a man dressed as a large penis to come out of a pub on a street that you dont go down?????

As for obscene outfits, being dressed as a giant penis is not very tasteful, but the kind of obscenity referred to in this article is someone dressed in almost nothing, and being indecent, and I have seen it first hand and seen them being refused entry.

I know from many of the local businesses including the pubs that trade in the street is down in the region of 20% over the last two years primarily due to the state of the economy, and that other than on a weekend when the stag and hens are out, the kind of drinkers in the street are changing from the rowdy groups of youths to the more distinguished drinkers who frequent the likes of Briganties, The Artful Dodger and the Accorn.

Mr Archibald has done himself and his neighbors a great disservice with this article. In the last year or so a large number of traders in Micklegate have come together to try and improve the reputation and image of the street, attempting to shed the old reputation of the Micklegate run which is long dead and reverse this downturn in revenue. They have held several events this year which have been very successful introducing people to the businesses that exist there, and also attracting a couple of new ones. Yes it still has a night time economy, but it is a shadow of its former self, but it is comments like Mr Archibalds, and yours which do nothing to help this change, and indeed impede it.

It would be nice if people actually based their opinions on the current
situation, not on what they have read or heard from people from years ago.

Many was based on the current, I just can't be arsed explaining what my post meant and 3 things:

1. Most obscene outfits are still allowed on.

2. This is now old news but I agree that it's an ongoing issue.

3. The people against this article that defend the Geordies and stag and hen parties are the reason the council won't do anything, because they're the comments the council will be looking for.

Geordies, Tykes, Scousers, Cockneys , Scots and so we could go on. Just have a look on the Internet at the number of venues throughout the country who are openly inviting partygoers for Hen Nites and Stag Nites. York is only one of them.

if it wasn t for stag and hen groups then even more businessesin york would go to the wall and even more premises would be empty.these businessmen seem to think that you can have some kind of filter on tourists coming to york,weeding out the unsuitible ones.what world do they live in.the problem lies with the lack of prominent policing backed up with draconian fines and sentencing.

Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

It really just comes down to the fact that from what I've heard, police are useless on saturdays, the only sirens I ever hear are the ones from ambulances.

And for anyone wondering... I go down Micklegate because I livevdown there, I just avoid the bloody place and try to go down it because I live there.

Point of information, in case anyone wants to introduce some facts into the debate, in place of abuse: licences are no longer issued by magistrates (and haven't been for nearly ten years) but by local authorities.

Some of the pubs/bars have created outside drinking areas, I saw a crowd of loud, drunken blokes on a stag do outside Harkers on a lunchtime on a Saturday, the pub didn't seem concerned that they were annoying passers-by (particulalry the ladies) and continued to serve as much beer as required. This is a major central area of York and emphasises the 'spread' of the culture so Micklegate is not just the only affected area though has long been the main one. To be honest there are not so many tourists down there anyway.

Guy Fawkes said "A friend from rural lancashire in his 70s was in York for the last book fair, and insisted on meeting for a pint in The Ackhorne at 6pm one Saturday evening before catching the train home, because it was such a nice pub when he was growing up in York in the 1950s. Try as I did to dissuade him from that idea and go to one of the very few drinking establishments left in the city that does not put up with yobs and is thus still relatively civilised (The Minster Inn and the City Screen bar being the two obvious candidates - expensive, but you get what you pay for), he insisted on his nostalgia trip ... and let's say, that it made for an interesting evening!

The Ackhorne rowdy? It is like an oasis from Micklegate on Saturday night, in fact even on race days you only see a few of them in there and they are fairly well behaved - come to think of it the Ackhorne is one of the few pubs without bouncers on Saturday.

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Ok, so you dont go down Micklegate any more and have rarely done so in a couple of years, yet you know first hand that it is rowdier????? What???

You avoid it yet you sat waiting 2 hours for a man dressed as a large penis to come out of a pub on a street that you dont go down?????

As for obscene outfits, being dressed as a giant penis is not very tasteful, but the kind of obscenity referred to in this article is someone dressed in almost nothing, and being indecent, and I have seen it first hand and seen them being refused entry.

I know from many of the local businesses including the pubs that trade in the street is down in the region of 20% over the last two years primarily due to the state of the economy, and that other than on a weekend when the stag and hens are out, the kind of drinkers in the street are changing from the rowdy groups of youths to the more distinguished drinkers who frequent the likes of Briganties, The Artful Dodger and the Accorn.

Mr Archibald has done himself and his neighbors a great disservice with this article. In the last year or so a large number of traders in Micklegate have come together to try and improve the reputation and image of the street, attempting to shed the old reputation of the Micklegate run which is long dead and reverse this downturn in revenue. They have held several events this year which have been very successful introducing people to the businesses that exist there, and also attracting a couple of new ones. Yes it still has a night time economy, but it is a shadow of its former self, but it is comments like Mr Archibalds, and yours which do nothing to help this change, and indeed impede it.

It would be nice if people actually based their opinions on the current
situation, not on what they have read or heard from people from years ago.

Many was based on the current, I just can't be arsed explaining what my post meant and 3 things:

1. Most obscene outfits are still allowed on.

2. This is now old news but I agree that it's an ongoing issue.

3. The people against this article that defend the Geordies and stag and hen parties are the reason the council won't do anything, because they're the comments the council will be looking for.

1 Ok, so you cant back any if it up, yet you want to spout rubbish that can damage other peoples business, thanks.

1 Obscene is in the eye of the beholder. I have seen people in a skin colored suit with a fig leaf, dressing up as Adam. Its an all over suit, but designed to look otherwise, would this be ok for your sensitivities? That I have seen allowed.
Someone in a Mankini, I have seen refused service by every pub in the street.

2 It is old news and the story is constantly changing, however if people keep reeling out that this is still the case, it will feed the story and it will become more of a haven to this kind of group that you disslike, alienating the kind of people you would not be offended by, leaving only the groups and making the problem worse. It is a self fulfilling prophecy.

3 It is not the councils job, it is the police who should prevent rowdy behavior in the street. If there were a couple of officers patrolling the area on foot on a Saturday, it would help to prevent them from getting rowdy in the first place.
If the council got involved, there would be draconian blanket rules made up which always have unintended consequences, such as the CIZ which moved much of the problem to the other side of the river, although they left a bad reputation in their wake, leading to this kind of article and destroyed businesses.

roobarb85 wrote:
Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

I agree with a lot of this, although you mention the opening hours, this is something that people on here seem to shout about as if it has made a huge difference, stag and hen do's are usually out during the day. Come 9/10pm, they are tucked up in their hotel rooms.
Most of the pubs and bars of Micklegate dont open past midnight anyway, and those that do, tend not to be rowdy at all. George Hudson St and the square are a different matter. They open far later, however they always have a strong police and door supervisor presence, meaning that problems are sorted quickly. It is only the people who leave the area before being loud and fighting that are the problem, but this is nothing to do with the bars on Micklegate as they are long closed at this point.

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Ok, so you dont go down Micklegate any more and have rarely done so in a couple of years, yet you know first hand that it is rowdier????? What???

You avoid it yet you sat waiting 2 hours for a man dressed as a large penis to come out of a pub on a street that you dont go down?????

As for obscene outfits, being dressed as a giant penis is not very tasteful, but the kind of obscenity referred to in this article is someone dressed in almost nothing, and being indecent, and I have seen it first hand and seen them being refused entry.

I know from many of the local businesses including the pubs that trade in the street is down in the region of 20% over the last two years primarily due to the state of the economy, and that other than on a weekend when the stag and hens are out, the kind of drinkers in the street are changing from the rowdy groups of youths to the more distinguished drinkers who frequent the likes of Briganties, The Artful Dodger and the Accorn.

Mr Archibald has done himself and his neighbors a great disservice with this article. In the last year or so a large number of traders in Micklegate have come together to try and improve the reputation and image of the street, attempting to shed the old reputation of the Micklegate run which is long dead and reverse this downturn in revenue. They have held several events this year which have been very successful introducing people to the businesses that exist there, and also attracting a couple of new ones. Yes it still has a night time economy, but it is a shadow of its former self, but it is comments like Mr Archibalds, and yours which do nothing to help this change, and indeed impede it.

It would be nice if people actually based their opinions on the current
situation, not on what they have read or heard from people from years ago.

Many was based on the current, I just can't be arsed explaining what my post meant and 3 things:

1. Most obscene outfits are still allowed on.

2. This is now old news but I agree that it's an ongoing issue.

3. The people against this article that defend the Geordies and stag and hen parties are the reason the council won't do anything, because they're the comments the council will be looking for.

1 Ok, so you cant back any if it up, yet you want to spout rubbish that can damage other peoples business, thanks.

1 Obscene is in the eye of the beholder. I have seen people in a skin colored suit with a fig leaf, dressing up as Adam. Its an all over suit, but designed to look otherwise, would this be ok for your sensitivities? That I have seen allowed.
Someone in a Mankini, I have seen refused service by every pub in the street.

2 It is old news and the story is constantly changing, however if people keep reeling out that this is still the case, it will feed the story and it will become more of a haven to this kind of group that you disslike, alienating the kind of people you would not be offended by, leaving only the groups and making the problem worse. It is a self fulfilling prophecy.

3 It is not the councils job, it is the police who should prevent rowdy behavior in the street. If there were a couple of officers patrolling the area on foot on a Saturday, it would help to prevent them from getting rowdy in the first place.
If the council got involved, there would be draconian blanket rules made up which always have unintended consequences, such as the CIZ which moved much of the problem to the other side of the river, although they left a bad reputation in their wake, leading to this kind of article and destroyed businesses.

No it isn't ruining businesses, he is stating the obvious because everyone else is afraid to and it was a mankini guy who was with a group and they all got into the pub, look I'm at work and can't be bothered replying to your "I'm all high and mighty" arse over the internet.

Maquis wrote:

roobarb85 wrote:
Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

I agree with a lot of this, although you mention the opening hours, this is something that people on here seem to shout about as if it has made a huge difference, stag and hen do's are usually out during the day. Come 9/10pm, they are tucked up in their hotel rooms.
Most of the pubs and bars of Micklegate dont open past midnight anyway, and those that do, tend not to be rowdy at all. George Hudson St and the square are a different matter. They open far later, however they always have a strong police and door supervisor presence, meaning that problems are sorted quickly. It is only the people who leave the area before being loud and fighting that are the problem, but this is nothing to do with the bars on Micklegate as they are long closed at this point.

Oh and by the way, I can name one pub right now on Micklegate that opens past midnight, don't forget the mansion nightclub too.

I find it strange how people differentiate bewteen 'tourists' and 'drinkers'.

My assumption is that by 'tourists' they are referring to the average family, visiting a generic viking museum and spending £10 each for two adults, with free tickets for kids.

In contrast, the 'drinkers' must be the groups visiting for the evening, arriving in a group of 10+, spending over £50 each on their night out, most likely forking out an average of over £25 each on hotels, and of course adding on the taxi fares, meals out and clothing for the evening.

I sympathise greatly with those affected by the actions of the minority, which is, of course, completely unacceptable. Although I do ask myself which of these groups is doing most for the city's economic challenges.

Both of the above groups, in my view, are tourists. Those acting respectfully and within the law should be treated with the same level of respect as any other visitors to our city, rather than the unfair blanket critism usually delt out through these forums.

Bucktrout wrote:
I find it strange how people differentiate bewteen 'tourists' and 'drinkers'.

My assumption is that by 'tourists' they are referring to the average family, visiting a generic viking museum and spending £10 each for two adults, with free tickets for kids.

In contrast, the 'drinkers' must be the groups visiting for the evening, arriving in a group of 10+, spending over £50 each on their night out, most likely forking out an average of over £25 each on hotels, and of course adding on the taxi fares, meals out and clothing for the evening.

I sympathise greatly with those affected by the actions of the minority, which is, of course, completely unacceptable. Although I do ask myself which of these groups is doing most for the city's economic challenges.

Both of the above groups, in my view, are tourists. Those acting respectfully and within the law should be treated with the same level of respect as any other visitors to our city, rather than the unfair blanket critism usually delt out through these forums.

Aye, but the difference is that sadly the drinking tourists get too rowdy and love thinking that alcoh gives them a reason to hurl abuse.

One time they pushed this woman onto the road and "apoligized" then when they were going to help her up swore at her and called her a fat slag then walked off laughing.

To be honest, maybe it's the way that the story has been published and the wording used that makes it sound worse than it, but it is still pretty bad.

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

roobarb85 wrote:
Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

I agree with a lot of this, although you mention the opening hours, this is something that people on here seem to shout about as if it has made a huge difference, stag and hen do's are usually out during the day. Come 9/10pm, they are tucked up in their hotel rooms.
Most of the pubs and bars of Micklegate dont open past midnight anyway, and those that do, tend not to be rowdy at all. George Hudson St and the square are a different matter. They open far later, however they always have a strong police and door supervisor presence, meaning that problems are sorted quickly. It is only the people who leave the area before being loud and fighting that are the problem, but this is nothing to do with the bars on Micklegate as they are long closed at this point.

Oh and by the way, I can name one pub right now on Micklegate that opens past midnight, don't forget the mansion nightclub too.

Mansion opens until 2-3am two nights per week out of term time and three nights per week during the university term and is rarely ever busy, even the student nights are getting quieter, this does not change my previous comment, Stag and Hen do's are not usually out beyond 9-10pm. The artful Dodger is open until 2am, but attracts mainly workers from other pubs for an after work drink and has almost zero trouble.

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

roobarb85 wrote:
Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

I agree with a lot of this, although you mention the opening hours, this is something that people on here seem to shout about as if it has made a huge difference, stag and hen do's are usually out during the day. Come 9/10pm, they are tucked up in their hotel rooms.
Most of the pubs and bars of Micklegate dont open past midnight anyway, and those that do, tend not to be rowdy at all. George Hudson St and the square are a different matter. They open far later, however they always have a strong police and door supervisor presence, meaning that problems are sorted quickly. It is only the people who leave the area before being loud and fighting that are the problem, but this is nothing to do with the bars on Micklegate as they are long closed at this point.

Oh and by the way, I can name one pub right now on Micklegate that opens past midnight, don't forget the mansion nightclub too.

Mansion opens until 2-3am two nights per week out of term time and three nights per week during the university term and is rarely ever busy, even the student nights are getting quieter, this does not change my previous comment, Stag and Hen do's are not usually out beyond 9-10pm. The artful Dodger is open until 2am, but attracts mainly workers from other pubs for an after work drink and has almost zero trouble.

To be honest, maybe it's the way that the story has been published and the wording used that makes it sound worse than it, but it is still pretty bad.

But the Artful Dodger is one of the many bars I see them entering and I know this, because when I have my windows open I always hear hen parties screech "Look it's The Artful Dodger" then they all flock into it.

Also I still hear them down Micklegate after 10pm when I'm trying to sleep.

People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place!


Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild

Get a grip...

YorkPatrol wrote:
People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place!


Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild

Get a grip...

Yeah, but you gotta see it from an everyday businessmans point of view not a pub owner or people hoping to get laids point of view.

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

roobarb85 wrote:
Yes, it's old news, but still amenable to questions which have simple answers.

Is there a problem with rowdy drunken behaviour in York?

If so, why aren't those IN CONTROL of law enforcement and licensing letting their forces do anything about it?

Is our economy really so dependent on booze weekend tourists?

The Micklegate Run or similar has been going on since I first came to York in 1972 - and there's nothing wrong with letting off steam on a Friday night. But, in my estimation, it didn't used to be as city-wide and long lasting as it is now.

Drinking hours were extended by the City (in response to national legislation, sure). If things have gone too far, then those same authorities can cut the hours back.

I agree with a lot of this, although you mention the opening hours, this is something that people on here seem to shout about as if it has made a huge difference, stag and hen do's are usually out during the day. Come 9/10pm, they are tucked up in their hotel rooms.
Most of the pubs and bars of Micklegate dont open past midnight anyway, and those that do, tend not to be rowdy at all. George Hudson St and the square are a different matter. They open far later, however they always have a strong police and door supervisor presence, meaning that problems are sorted quickly. It is only the people who leave the area before being loud and fighting that are the problem, but this is nothing to do with the bars on Micklegate as they are long closed at this point.

Oh and by the way, I can name one pub right now on Micklegate that opens past midnight, don't forget the mansion nightclub too.

Mansion opens until 2-3am two nights per week out of term time and three nights per week during the university term and is rarely ever busy, even the student nights are getting quieter, this does not change my previous comment, Stag and Hen do's are not usually out beyond 9-10pm. The artful Dodger is open until 2am, but attracts mainly workers from other pubs for an after work drink and has almost zero trouble.

To be honest, maybe it's the way that the story has been published and the wording used that makes it sound worse than it, but it is still pretty bad.

But the Artful Dodger is one of the many bars I see them entering and I know this, because when I have my windows open I always hear hen parties screech "Look it's The Artful Dodger" then they all flock into it.

So what?
Like most other bars, they may scream its name and go in, you will also find that if they are indecently dressed, or their behavior is unacceptable, they will not be served and then "flock" out again. Just because they like the name of a place, it doesn't make it a bad business.
Just because a group of females are in high spirits and therefore louder than the average person walking down the street, it does not make them drunken louts, women talking over each other will get louder drink or not. That is the real world.
I also live on the street, and can hear people at all hours of the day. If I have the windows open, I can hear them more clearly. It is what happens when you live in a vibrant street. If you want silence after 10pm, move elsewhere.

Spare a thought for people who live on or just off Micklegate, like me. We have to dodge the piles of puke and broken glass every morning and it's not pleasant.

It's easy to say move elsewhere, perhaps you're fortunate enough to be financially well off and with your own transport to live outside of the city centre, but we're not all as lucky. Actually I love being so central, but the drunken behaviour is a definite downside

YorkRandomer wrote:
Also I still hear them down Micklegate after 10pm when I'm trying to sleep.

If you are in bed trying to get to sleep, how do you know who it is shouting?
Without the daytime traffic noise, voices travel much further. The Narrowness of the street combined with tall buildings makes the voices echo even more.

Again, hen and stag do's are rarely out after 9-10pm. Most do not have the stamina, those that do are usually in the clubs or late night bars on the other side of the river by then. Also fancy dress is usually shed by about 6pm as it is even less acceptable later on. They go back to their hotels, have some food and change into more normal attire by then. Very few places let extravagant fancy dress in on a night.

YorkRandomer wrote:

YorkPatrol wrote: People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place! Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild Get a grip...

Yeah, but you gotta see it from an everyday businessmans point of view not a pub owner or people hoping to get laids point of view.

Agreed, but I was chatting to one of the Micklegate barbers – he told me that a young lady from a hen party entered the shop, dropped her knickers and asked “how much to trim this?”

Not only did it make his day but there was also additional revenue potential

YorkPatrol wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

YorkPatrol wrote: People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place! Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild Get a grip...

Yeah, but you gotta see it from an everyday businessmans point of view not a pub owner or people hoping to get laids point of view.

Agreed, but I was chatting to one of the Micklegate barbers – he told me that a young lady from a hen party entered the shop, dropped her knickers and asked “how much to trim this?”

Not only did it make his day but there was also additional revenue potential

If only all stag and hen parties were as humorous, most stories I hear from people is one alwats hurling abuse to try and impress his/her mates.

YorkPatrol wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

YorkPatrol wrote: People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place! Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild Get a grip...

Yeah, but you gotta see it from an everyday businessmans point of view not a pub owner or people hoping to get laids point of view.

Agreed, but I was chatting to one of the Micklegate barbers – he told me that a young lady from a hen party entered the shop, dropped her knickers and asked “how much to trim this?” Not only did it make his day but there was also additional revenue potential

So that couldn't have been a Geordie lass then.

bolero wrote:

YorkPatrol wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

YorkPatrol wrote: People on here are getting worked up over nothing – I love to see the hen parties out dressed in next to nothing having a good time, they bring an air of atmosphere to the place. The majority of locals when on a night out just stand around in silence texting their mates long faced and miserable – I’ve been in a few places where I’ve actually wondered why they bothered coming out and longing for a Geordie hen party to enter the place! Perhaps the council needs to ban anyone from the city centre unless they are wearing a Viking outfit and limit everyone to only one half of mild Get a grip...

Yeah, but you gotta see it from an everyday businessmans point of view not a pub owner or people hoping to get laids point of view.

Agreed, but I was chatting to one of the Micklegate barbers – he told me that a young lady from a hen party entered the shop, dropped her knickers and asked “how much to trim this?” Not only did it make his day but there was also additional revenue potential

So that couldn't have been a Geordie lass then.

Prehaps, but who really cares???

how exactly are you supposed to stop hen parties?? stand at the station and stop anyone wearing matching t-shirts and feather boas from entering the city!?
most of the trouble that occurs on a saturday night generally happens on George Hudson Street and is almost always involving Reflex and Salvation.
I've seen this area kicking off numerous times and it has never involved a hen party in fancy dress, it's usually the charva element of york who go to salvation so drunk they can't even walk in a straight line.
I agree with the poster above who suggested the police actually make an effort and start patrolling that part of the city on a saturday evening. would help considerably to violence and anti-social behaviour.

"how exactly are you supposed to stop hen parties??"
I have a friend who works in a large "budget" hotel and he says that typically 2 members of a party will book a twin room then 2 others will go back to the room with sleeping bags. Obviously the 2 unofficial ones cannot go to breakfast. The hotel turns a blind eye to this because they want to fill the rooms and if an "ordinary" guest complains about nighttime noise or disturbance they are given their money back without a quibble.
If this practice was stopped it would price the hen parties out.

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:

YorkRandomer wrote:

Maquis wrote:
What a fool this guy is. I know for a fact that Micklegate is far quieter this year than in previous years.
If he wants to destroy his own trade, then let him, but expressing sensationalized views based on very little truth is damaging to those others who don't have the same problem in the street.
The lady with the dance shop moved only a hundred yards or so down the street to a more visible location, more suitable for her business. If it was the issue he claims, then she would have left the street.
I witnessed the ladies fighting that he mentions, it was awful, however it was last year on a race day, nothing to do with the hen parties.
Yes they do go down this street, but they are now getting refused by more and more of the pubs but they will not stop using the street as long as the hotels are in the area and the train station just around the corner.

Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub and have to head back to the hotel to change into something sensible in short order.
This is illegal, not allowed in almost every pub, but they will still try it.

There are some of the groups who are obnoxious and think that the way to act on a stag or hen do is to be idiots, but the majority are just in high spirits. This is where the perceived problem lies. A group of women out with matching outfits being loud is in itself no problem. It is the idea that they are all going to start fighting, or abusing others that is the issue, although the vast majority do not do this, and those who do are refused entry to most pubs.

It needs to be known that bad behavior is not permitted in the area, and the groups who want to act this way can go elsewhere. This kind of article simply gives the impression that this is what happens here and if that is how you want to behave, its the place to go. So thanks Jon, you have just helped drive trade away from local traders and invite more of the people we don't want.

No Micklegate is not far quieter this year than it's ever been, I used to go to town via Micklegate every Saturday to go hang out in town with people I know and no, not to get drunk, to just chill out, but these past two years I have decided to completely avoid most of Micklegate and try and find an alternative route out of town because I am sick off all the abuse me and my friends get hurled at us. Also can someone care to explain to me why today I saw someone dressed as a massive penis enter a pub and then come out a couple of hours later, then he proceeded to a different pub, so much for your "Those in the obscene outfits are refused by almost every pub" what a load of crap and the last part of your comment, what is that seriously about? Atleast Mr Archibald has the balls to even be willing to put his face in the paper to make a point at stopping this, why don't you get the balls to go down to his studio and pay him a visit? I bet you wouldn't dare say any of that to his face and I mean face, not his facebook face.

Ok, so you dont go down Micklegate any more and have rarely done so in a couple of years, yet you know first hand that it is rowdier????? What???

You avoid it yet you sat waiting 2 hours for a man dressed as a large penis to come out of a pub on a street that you dont go down?????

As for obscene outfits, being dressed as a giant penis is not very tasteful, but the kind of obscenity referred to in this article is someone dressed in almost nothing, and being indecent, and I have seen it first hand and seen them being refused entry.

I know from many of the local businesses including the pubs that trade in the street is down in the region of 20% over the last two years primarily due to the state of the economy, and that other than on a weekend when the stag and hens are out, the kind of drinkers in the street are changing from the rowdy groups of youths to the more distinguished drinkers who frequent the likes of Briganties, The Artful Dodger and the Accorn.

Mr Archibald has done himself and his neighbors a great disservice with this article. In the last year or so a large number of traders in Micklegate have come together to try and improve the reputation and image of the street, attempting to shed the old reputation of the Micklegate run which is long dead and reverse this downturn in revenue. They have held several events this year which have been very successful introducing people to the businesses that exist there, and also attracting a couple of new ones. Yes it still has a night time economy, but it is a shadow of its former self, but it is comments like Mr Archibalds, and yours which do nothing to help this change, and indeed impede it.

It would be nice if people actually based their opinions on the current
situation, not on what they have read or heard from people from years ago.

Many was based on the current, I just can't be arsed explaining what my post meant and 3 things:

1. Most obscene outfits are still allowed on.

2. This is now old news but I agree that it's an ongoing issue.

3. The people against this article that defend the Geordies and stag and hen parties are the reason the council won't do anything, because they're the comments the council will be looking for.

1 Ok, so you cant back any if it up, yet you want to spout rubbish that can damage other peoples business, thanks.

1 Obscene is in the eye of the beholder. I have seen people in a skin colored suit with a fig leaf, dressing up as Adam. Its an all over suit, but designed to look otherwise, would this be ok for your sensitivities? That I have seen allowed.
Someone in a Mankini, I have seen refused service by every pub in the street.

2 It is old news and the story is constantly changing, however if people keep reeling out that this is still the case, it will feed the story and it will become more of a haven to this kind of group that you disslike, alienating the kind of people you would not be offended by, leaving only the groups and making the problem worse. It is a self fulfilling prophecy.

3 It is not the councils job, it is the police who should prevent rowdy behavior in the street. If there were a couple of officers patrolling the area on foot on a Saturday, it would help to prevent them from getting rowdy in the first place.
If the council got involved, there would be draconian blanket rules made up which always have unintended consequences, such as the CIZ which moved much of the problem to the other side of the river, although they left a bad reputation in their wake, leading to this kind of article and destroyed businesses.

Can't be having the poor Rozzers having to do any dirty work on a Saturday night now can we!?

Please mention this article for a 10% discount on your Fancy Dress at Fantasy World in Fulford .

Everyone should dress up and have fun if they wish - it's alcohol and "group behavior" that causes problems - not costumes :)