ABSTRACT
The private companies running the different routes were taken over by the state in the late 1940s after the Second World War. Consuming alcoholic beverages in the company of others is perhaps Britain’s second favourite pastime, after television. The UK has stringent drink-driving laws and the police are able to breathalyse any motorist they think may have consumed alcohol. Value Added Tax is an indirect tax, levied on petrol, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and other consumer goods. Council tax pays for local services, including libraries, refuse collection and the police. The older ones were often funded by local philanthropists, while newer ones tend to be built by local authorities. Local newspapers, hospital newsletters and student magazines carry classified advertisements. Students and pensioners can buy a card that entitles them to big discounts, but there are restrictions on when they can travel.
