is often said in jest how we have bouncers outside Blackburn’s town centre pubs, not to keep punters out, but to drag them in. Also to stop the ones already in from leaving.
Also in jest, a suggestion has been put forward for a novel way of dragging drinkers into our town centre pubs. This would be to reverse the role of door staff duties. Rather than being stood outside hostelries, they could be transformed into something akin to the old press gangs. But really roving bounty hunters, enticing in drinkers. Earning a bonus for every punter they pull in.
The term ‘Press’ in press gang is a shortened version of ‘Impressment’. This was the term used for conscripting people, usually against their will, to serve in the Royal Navy. To a lesser extent, it was occasionally used in the army too when war broke out and large numbers of recruits were needed.
The original press gangs were usually based in naval ports. Their main period of use was from the 17th to the early 19th century, usually when times of war came about and the Navy needed extra manpower. These press gangs, who were really hired thugs, picked up unlucky people who were often drunk, or in the wrong place at the wrong time. As expected, they were not very popular, especially when failure to allow oneself to be impressed was a crime punishable by hanging.
A tactic used by the press gang was to visit pubs and drop the ‘King’s Shilling’ in their victims glass, or goblet, while their victim was distracted, or due to being under the influence of alcohol. After being incapacitated, usually with a wooden club, their poor victim would wake up at sea with no escape from service in the Royal Navy. To rub salt in the wound, it was Naval policy to withhold pay from pressed men for six months, to deter them from deserting.
Nothing like those kind of antisocial activities are being planned for today’s press gangs. They want to be seen as friendly, approachable and helpful. But their aim is still to get you into Blackburn’s town centre pubs. A bit like a cross between missionaries and chuggers. But not as annoying. Unlike their former namesakes from the past, they might find they have their work cut out dragging punters into our town centre boozers. How times have changed.