The UK’s busy pubs are witnessing a new trend that has both intrigued and irritated patrons. British pub culture has traditionally been defined by a free-for-all ordering style, but Gen Z, is changing the game by queuing for drinks as though they’re waiting in line at the post office.

This methodical approach dates back to the Covid 19 pandemic when social distancing policies led young drinkers to adopt new habits. In response, a movement called Pub Queues has emerged, advocating for a return to classic pub etiquette. This group urges pubs to put up signs reminding customers, “please do not queue, move up around and around the bar” encouraging them to approach the bar directly.

An image on X shared @QueuesPub of a queue by a bar, had user @notherness respond to this new phenomenon by “Young people weren’t properly socialised into British culture during lockdown, although I’m also surprised they can function at all without an arrow floor sticker telling them which direction to move”, which further emphasis this habit dating back to the pandemic.

Now, many of them prefer the fairness of a single-file line. For Gen Z, this approach “guarantees that everyone gets their turn without shoving or pushing,” in line with their values of equality and respect, said a frequent bar-goer and student from UCL London, who who asked to be anonymous.

Not everyone, though, is in favor of this shift. Many traditionalists argue that queuing for drinks is strange “This is enough to make me quit drinking” another pub enthusiast form X added, disappointed.

Some pubs have gone as far as to post signs explicitly discouraging single-file lines. “This is not a post office there is no need to queue like one” reads one of these humorous signs. This protest resonates with many who cherish the traditional pub ambiance.

As the discussion unfolds, it highlights a clear generational divide. While Gen Z views queuing as a way to bring order to the chaos of nightlife, older generations see it as a distruption to the pub experience.

It’s uncertain if this queuing trend will continue, but it’s clear that British pub culture is evolving. As this cultural shift plays out, one thing is certain: the debate over single-file queues in pubs is far from over.