General discussion at the seminar today produced a fascinating snippet; until at least the early 1970s “unaccompanied women” were not allowed into Wimpy’s restaurants (a British burger chain) late at night. (Differing opinions suggested the cut-off was either 11pm or midnight.) This restriction was actually printed on the menu.
So, a former nurse recounted, she and a colleague, in full uniform, were supposed to stand outside to eat their meal, at least until the staff took pity on them, although they had to eat fast, before the shift changed.
Sometimes it is easy to forget that we have come a long way.
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