Guys, don't forget that all they are talking about is a farmers-market-type area with local produce, there is after all a whisky tasting area nearby, probably next door to it! It is a shame that no independent distillers are invited though....

Quote Originally Posted by thescot View Post
No swords, no knives, no guns, no rude comments (unless they're aimed at conservative types), no independent distillers , no. . . non PC stuff I am sure.

I am pretty sure that the local constabulary is not so afraid of insurrection as they are determined to show that they can be tough guys and issue edicts. In my experience, sword bearers are never dangerious, but it sure makes petite bureaucrats feel important to issue threats. And, whoever it is that is banning the little guys (the article is not specific) is probably up to the same thing. Even socialists understand money!
I got the feeling from the news coverage of the sword ban that the cops were really trying to point out a difference between UK and US law in as tactful a way as possible. Nowhere in the UK is it legal (or wise) for a member of the public to walk around at a public gathering with a blade longer than 6 inches unless there are special exemptions. The US crowds may not have been aware of this, as it appears to be legal to do this in the US? Hence the police re-iterating what was already the law...
And in the UK, in recent history, sword bearers have proved to be on average ever so slightly unhinged .....


Quote Originally Posted by thescot View Post
Just for the record, Diageo owns the following:
Irish whiskey: Bushmills
Diageo bought the umbrella group Irish Distillers, which not only owns Bushmills, but also Powers, Paddy and Jamesons, along with specialty brands like Redbreast. Irish Distillers also supply the whiskey to independent bottlers for the likes of Green Spot. In fact, Cooley Distiller is the only whiskey distillery in Ireland NOT owned by Diageo.