I lived in Spain for 4 years, and it was always the Brits who were 'Rat arsed' by ten o'clock at night - for the first week. By the second week of their holidays however they were suddenly getting the idea - you don't have to beat the clock, and that's what's been wrong in this country for far too long. Why should the minority's behaviour result in the majority being restricted to 11pm closing and does anybody remember 1987? All the doom-mongers said then that all day opening would result in drunks falling about the place at 4pm on Saturdays, and drinking from 12 noon until 10:30 pm would be the end of civilised society as we know it. Didn't happen though did it.

The mind set or a few at the moment is 'Binge drinking' but it's only a few, however it is they that attract all the publicity as it would not make good news showing the vast majority of pubs and clubs where people leave peacefully, and sometimes quite merry. Quite a few of the pubs in my area have never held much store in closing at 11pm (I won't name them as it would be unfair) and never had the 'Binge drinking' problem. Any drunk who came in of course was refused service, which is what should happen under the law as it stands, and will do in the future. 'Binge Dirnkin' happens under the law as it stands now - so what would anybody suggest - close the pubs and clubs earlier?? Remember Australia and 6pm - remember America and Prohibition.

I believe that our friends on the Continent have it just about right so let's give it a try, rather than condemn something before it's given a chance. On saying that I'm seething over the Live Music aspect of the New UK Licencing hours - but that's a whole different ballgame.
John Barden