Britain: NO LOVE, DEARS

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>From the New York Times, World Briefing (Europe), August 15, 2002.

BRITAIN: NO LOVE, DEARS

Receptionists and the security staff at government headquarters in Bristol
have been told to stop calling members of the public "dear" or "love," and
to address them as "sir" or "madam" instead. The order came from Barbara
Janke, the new leader of the City Council, who said that some visitors to
city offices had objected to the informal way they were greeted. But in a
city known for its use of endearments, the move has not been universally
popular. "I think the majority of visitors prefer a friendly welcome,
rather than being confronted by faceless bureaucracy," Richard Eddy, a
council member, told The Times of London.

   Sarah Lyall (NYT)