Majority of Northumberland Gazette readers think Christmas Day lunch at restaurants and pubs is too expensive

Some choose to eat in while others choose to eat out on Christmas Day but most Mail readers think restaurants and pubs charge too much.

Many have called for eateries to be closed on Christmas Day so that the workers can enjoy time with their family and friends.

On Monday, December 9, in our daily Facebook poll, we asked you: “Do you think restaurants and pubs charge too much for lunch on Christmas Day?”

Out of more than 2,400 readers who voted, 64% said yes, while only 27% disagreed.

But despite the majority of residents saying that the meals were too expensive, all those who commented on the poll said that it was a fair price to pay as staff were giving up their Christmas Day to serve the public.

Lee Embleton said: “No the staff deserve the extra wage for working Christmas Day.

“A day that should be spent with family and loved ones.”

Suzanne Tuddenham commented: “No because the poor staff who have to work and not celebrate their Christmas Day so you can have to be paid accordingly therefore the costs have to be covered.“It should cost more than a normal Sunday lunch.”

Anna Brotherton wrote: “Staff have to come in on a day when nearly everyone else in the country is off.

“They spend their day cooking food or serving when they could be at home with their families.

“They deserve extra pay for coming in on Christmas, and if the food is of a good quality you should be willing to pay a bit more.”Rosie Harris said: “Serving staff are missing time with their families and you're getting a meal without any hassle it is well worth the cost.”Pat Heard agreed: “I think it has to be worth it.

“No cooking no dishes, and the staff are giving up Christmas Day so we can enjoy ourselves.”