Bakers, bakeries and bakers shops were required by law only to sell their ‘national loaves’ when they were a day old because stale bread did not cut to waste like fresh bread. Source
[If you can find it, the BBC Timeshift episode ‘Bread: A Loaf Affair’ mentions this along with a surprisingly interesting modern-ish history of bread in the UK. It’s narrated by Tom Baker.]
In the UK, bakers were forbidden from selling bread on the day it was baked, in order to make it more stale and reduce demand.
“During WW1” is the context for this
And WWII.
And WWIII??
Is this a Douglas Adams bit?
Sadly, no:
[If you can find it, the BBC Timeshift episode ‘Bread: A Loaf Affair’ mentions this along with a surprisingly interesting modern-ish history of bread in the UK. It’s narrated by Tom Baker.]
I see where he got his sense of humour at least. I’ll try to find that, thanks.