Sir, - I agree with Michael J. Loftus (May 27th) that politicians shirk their responsibilities on alcohol abuse.
The Dail Select Committee on Legislation and Security is at present reviewing the conditions for the sale of drink.opening hours. He is the chairperson of this committee and in a statement in The Irish Times it was said that "there was consensus amongst the membership that it was unfair that ordinary publicans should have to throw out customers at 11.30." One member, Alan Shatter, said he was in favour of "complete deregulation, letting market forces and the owners desire decide when any establishment opens for the sale of alcohol." Not surprising, as he is a legal adviser to the Licensed Vintners Association.
Given these attitudes, will it be a surprise if pubs are given time extensions? And it will not be the small publican (who generally respects the community he serves) who will make huge profits by this but rather the vast consortiums who take all and give nothing.
In recent years the effects of late-night closing on communities who live close to such premises has greatly worsened. Wave after wave of noisy groups shout and fight their way home through sleeping neighbourhoods from alter midnight until 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., congregating at late night take- aways, urinating and vomiting in gardens and doorways.
The licensed vintners, like the roads and private transport lobbies, are very powerful. In the past 30 years entire communities have disappeared through the influence these lobbies exercise over TDs and councillors. - Yours, etc.
Living City Group,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.