Keep upholding the old virtues and standards'

As retired licensees we may be enjoying life to the full, but that does not mean that we are out of touch with what goes on in the UK.

We only see the Morning Advertiser occasionally, so we are not quite up-to-date with all the latest developments in the trade, but what we are very aware of is the constant barrage of "binge-drinking" bad publicity in the tabloids and on television.

Having, over a period of 32 years, run several public houses ­ some successful ­ we are appalled to see the trade that we were honoured to serve in going downhill fast.

Unlike the newly-evolved pub chains, the old-fashioned landlord/landlady ­ with perhaps few qualifications, including those of the British Institute of Innkeeping ­ would, in most cases, never allow their premises to play host to the new binge-drinking culture.

It is always the premises with compulsory doormen and special promotions where those in charge find themselves unable to control the drinking habits of the young. They have let profit overtake their obligation to uphold what generations of ex-licensees held in such high regard and they should be ashamed of themselves.

By the way, we were under the impression that it was against the law to serve anyone entering licensed premises who is drunk, but obviously if they uphold that law their profit margin will diminish.

We thoroughly enjoyed our years as licensees, but the more we read and see, the more we are convinced we have done the best thing in leaving the trade.

However, what we would say to those who are upholding the old virtues and standards, is "keep up the good work". You are a dying breed, but hopefully your work practices will be recognised by those who are in a position to bring back sanity to our trade.

Maureen and Maurice Quirk

The Mail Room

Box No 594

Local Comercial 2-3

Urb Playa Flamenca

03189

Orihuela Costa

Alicante

Spain

Shops and pubs should not be closed on a whim'

I write regarding the recent article "Pub closures won't stop teen boozers" (16 December 2004) in the Morning Advertiser.

The report quoted the Wine and Spirit Association as throwing "its full weight behind the policy" announced by Tony Blair of "24-hour closure orders for problem pubs". I would like to clarify our position.

Firstly, my reaction was based on the very little information about the proposed policy which was available at the time. I was under the impression that it would apply to both the on- and off-trades, and was speaking from the perspective of the off-trade. Your article incorrectly implied that I was referring to the on-trade.

The WSA does not support the closure of premises without proper consideration of the case by the Courts. Otherwise, there is the danger that shops or pubs could be deprived of their ability to operate on a whim. Furthermore, we feel that shutting down a whole shop or supermarket would not be appropriate; rather a temporary closure of the ability to sell alcohol for a limited amount of time would be a more proportional measure.

However, I stand by the general tone of the quote you used; that any sensible measure to tackle the problem of rogue premises ­ whether on- or off-trade ­ serving underage drinkers should be welcomed. It is in the interests of all legitimate traders to support such action in order to foster a responsible drinking culture.

Quentin Rappoport

Director

Wine and Spirit Association

1 Queen Street Place

London

EC4R 1XX

The return of dimpled beer mug is under way'

I recently read with interest the article by Roger Protz in edition 224 (9 December 2004) of the Morning Advertiser. Towards the end of the article Mr Protz mentions that the "next campaign should be for the return of the jug, the dimpled beer mug with a handle".

Not only am I in agreement with the sentiments of Mr Protz on this issue, I can also give him the good news that maybe the campaign has already started!

It is the norm at the White Horse freehouse in Hedgerley, south Bucks, that the ever-changing choice of seven cask-conditioned ales is served, from gravity, into a dimpled jug with a handle. In fact, you have to specifically request if you wish to drink from a straight glass.

Maybe the next time Mr Protz is in the south Bucks area he can call in to the White Horse, sample the wares dispensed as he prefers, and formally start the campaign.

John Barker

8 Keynes Close

Church Crookham

Fleet

Hampshire

GU52 8BZ