I’m always surprised when I encounter miserable, if not downright rude, people in public service. I don’t mean politicians or civil servants – I would no more trust the smile of a politician than I would the smile of a crocodile! No, I am referring to people who serve the public in shops, bars and restaurants.

How many times have you walked into a pub or shop to be welcomed (hardly the right word, I know) by somebody with a glum poker face? Somebody who not only doesn’t greet you with a friendly smile and a pleasant hello but instead gives you a look verging on resentment. As though it is somehow demeaning and beneath them to serve you in the first place.

Thankfully, such people are in the minority but can they not learn from those with the wit and intelligence to realise that a smile not only relaxes the customer or potential customer but encourages him or her to make a purchase or do business and later, to repeat that business? Do they not realise that every customer has a choice?

Old sayings like “service with a smile” and “the customer is king” may appear glib and meaningless to some but they are true. The customer’s money pays the bills and so common sense would surely tell you at the very least to be polite and offer a pleasant greeting to those visiting your premises.

If you had the choice between visiting a bar or shop with happy smiling staff or one where the server has a face like a bulldog chewing a wasp where would you go?

A smile costs nothing but its value is priceless.