Welcome

Over the past decade or so, the 12 pubs, an activity designed for groups like taggers, has become synonymous with the festive season. The 12 pubs of Christmas(#TPOX), is the name of an annual drinking game where groups of taggers gather together, don silly Christmas garb, and venture on routes around districts or towns, stopping at (and drink not necessarily alcohol at) 12 pubs along the way.

Almost a tradition at this stage in the tag arena, there are a series of rules (some standard and some just plain ridiculous) on how to conduct oneself when taking part in 12 pubs. 

NB: Out of courtesy to those who are actually starting from pub one(predominantly those with lanyards) will be given the courtesy of any last minute updates.  A last minute change is no fun for the organisers so they have the right to change any part of the tour due to unforeseen circumstances.

Basic 12 pubs rules - in attendance

1. Christmas Santa outfits are essential. 

2. Other Christmas outfits are encouraged. Think obnoxious jumpers, Santa hats, sleigh bells, twinkle lights, tinsel, etc.

3. One drink (usually a pint) must be consumed in each pub or bar.

4. One “rule” will be imposed per bar. Organisers decide these “rules” in advance. 

Tip: write them down on your phone for ease of reference (it’s pretty safe to say that once you are five pubs down, your memory won’t be the sharpest!)

12 pubs of Christmas rules are not written in stone, many have been adopted over the years!

Common 12 pubs rules

1. Accents – Every member of the group has to speak in a different foreign accent.

2. Partners – In this pub, you must pick a mate (sometimes you even have to link arms for the entirety of that pub visit). You can only drink your beverage by being fed it by your chosen mate. This is simpler than it sounds, especially in a crowded bar with too many pints in you

3. No swearing – Easy you say? Think again.

4. No pointing – This is really hard. Just take our word for it.

5. No talking – This is difficult for sure, but mainly just looks weird as hell, which then makes the whole situation awkwardly funny, and in turn, harder to not talk

“Having a good time is one of the top 12 pubs rules you need to stick to. This is when your powers of expression and body language come into play when ordering a drink.

6. No first names – Strangely so, it’s very hard not to call your tagger friends by their first names, seeing as it’s their name and all.

7. Speak in song – Add some lyrics to your night. Once drunk, this will be highly amusing.

8. No talking to the bartender – This will really piss off the bartender, but it’s kind of funny, nonetheless.

9. No toilet breaks 

10. Opposite hands – Drink with your opposite (i.e. lefties drink with your right hand, and vice versa).

11. Call the barman 'Guinness', this get somewhat confusing. For ex. "Pint of cider, please Guinness". This may also piss the staff off!!!

12. No phones – This shouldn’t be too hard if you’re genuinely having the craic with your mates.

13. Hold your drink – Easier than it sounds, you cannot let your drink touch any surface for the entirety of the pub, or until you have finished your drink.

14. Swap shoes – We’re not entirely sure why this rule is a rule, but it’s a popular one, no doubt.

15. Hug a stranger – This is pretty straightforward, hug a stranger before time is up in that pub!

16.  “The game is shark attack. Between pubs anyone can call shark attack at any time and the everyone has to get away from the shark by getting off the ground (sit on a wall, bin etc….). The last person on the ground has to have a drink of everyone’s choosing at the next bar.” 

17. Mr. Freeze - First one to the next pub gets to call it. Everyone has to freeze on command, last one must do a forfeit.

18. Pigeon Pile ON - so one person is the pigeon master  and when they get up they have to fly away (as far as they want) flapping their arms as wings running off. Everyone else is a pigeon and has to fly after the pigeon 'master'. Pigeon master has to hit an object, wall or bench etc and fall to ground, all other pigeons fall on top - last pigeon to get there becomes master pigeon and has to down their drink.

19. Splitting the G of the Guiness! Closest person to splitting the G gets to nominate someone to down a drink of their choice.

20. Make your way from the sixth pub to the next pub waddling like a penguin all the while. The bigger the group, the more hilarious this looks. It might be an idea to make sure these two pubs are pretty close together.

Rule breakers

If someone breaks the 12 pubs rules then they must perform a forfeit.

If someone breaks one of the rules, either intentionally or unintentionally, there are a known list of penalties ranging from harsh to fair. Here are some standard picks;

1. Do a shot

2. Buy the person who spotted you breaking the rule their next drink
3. Buy a drink and complete the pub as per the rule

Top tips for more penalties

Although it can be seen as “weak” to include a water rule, it’s really the only way to go. 12 pints back-to-back will leave you legless and not remembering this epic night. Suggest you throw in one of these two rules:

a. Drink a glass of water in every pub

b. Drink a pint of water (alongside your alcoholic beverage) in every third pub

2. Eat a large, stodgy, carbohydrate-based meal before your start. This will not only give you longevity on the pints but will also slow down your descent into absolute drunkenness. Consider these two rules:

a. A food run after X amount of pubs

b. The dinner pub – This is where you have to have dinner and a pint/drink in said pub.

And lastly, remember: always leave with a courteous goodbye!

“12 pubs” can be known to get out of hand and pubs can often turn away a large group surge. Tip: break into smaller groups as opposed to entering all at once. You’ve a better chance of getting your foot in the door!