[Margaret Pilkington]

Yes, it is real world stuff.

Not content with dealing the pubs a body blow with the smoking ban..they then jump on them with these crazy tax hikes which are well above inflation.

If they really wanted to be of some use they would allow the publican to choose whether to have a smoking room inside the pub...rather than making smokers go and sit outside...and they would reduce the ridiculous tax on beer sold in pubs.

Supermarkets are selling beer at below the price of the revenue it costs. this beer is bought not just by someone who wants to have a beer in the comfor t of their home, but those young folk who drink on street corners and in public parks.
Wouldn't it make more sense to get the youngsters into the pub where they can be welcomed(but also monitored by landlords who know their business) to learn to drink sensibly.....rather than chucking as much cheap stuff down their throats.

Would that reduce the amount of nuisance value that meighbourhoods have to endure?
Would it reduce the amount of time spent by police in dealing with these nuisance situations?

And before the health fascists get on my case about the perils of demon drink, and the hazards of smoking.......it is about having the choice.
Most of us are old enough and responsible enough to make the choices.