Pub’s bid to put ‘session back into recession’

A HISTORIC Galway city pub is getting into the festive spirit of goodwill by throwing a free Christmas party for local workers whose Scrooge-like bosses have cancelled the annual office knees-up due to the recession.

A nationwide survey of 2,000 businesses in October found almost 80% would not be wining and dining their staff this year because of the economic downturn.

However, the King’s Head pub has stepped in to offer free Christmas treats to Galway city workers.

Owner Paul Grealish came up with the idea of a “Credit Crunch Christmas Party” event after hearing many businesses around the city had cancelled their annual Christmas parties to cut costs.

Proceeds from a raffle and an auction at the December 10 event will go towards local charity, Cope, which supports homeless people and victims of domestic violence.

“A lot of formal-type office parties in hotels and restaurants with a sit-down meal have become a victim of the recession.

“So we’re just lending a hand to people to help them put the ‘session’ back into the recession along with their work colleagues.”

But he added: “The only thing we’re not providing is office romances — so patrons will have to look after themselves in that regard.”

The event will provide free Christmas party fare such as Santa hats, crackers, finger food, USA biscuits, selection boxes and mince pies.

Santa will also arrive on a Raleigh Chopper bicycle, which will be later auctioned for Cope.

The three-floor King’s Head pub, which has capacity for about 500 people, also encouraged other premises to throw similar parties for workers.

The survey in October by employment law firm, Peninsula said that Christmas parties boost staff morale, reward hard work and foster team spirit among colleagues.