Sir, – Ireland is not alone in seeing its drinks industry contract. ("The pub loses its pulling power" February 18th). Here in the UK we have some 16 pubs a week closing down with the overall consumption of alcohol falling. However, the paradox is that the problems associated with excessive drinking continue to rise. The demands made upon the NHS are well documented. The demands on policing well known. Only yesterday in the London Times, it is reported that more than 200,000 people will die prematurely over the next 20 years because of alcohol consumption, either from health problems or drink-fuelled accidents.
It’s hardly surprising that the traditional pub is fast becoming an endangered species. To survive, most have to offer food as well as engage in loss-making gimmicks such as Happy Hour or “two for the price of one”. Such pubs can be intimidating places to visit, particularly for people of mature years. Catching the eye of a malevolent youth can prove risky. Of all the factors attributed to the decline of such an endearing feature as the local pub, none is more compelling than the prices charged.
A fair to middling bottle of wine can be bought from the local corner shop for around a fiver. Try calling into the local with this amount. You won’t be there long and you will certainly go home sober. – Yours, etc,