LETTERs

Snifter goes star-gazing

Has Snifter been gazing at stars or reading tea-leaves?

I was shocked to see your back-page story (MA, 5 April 2007) entitled "Snifter sniffs out real story" saying that an April Fool joke from three years ago has been included in a petition to our illustrious leaders.

A petition to make those legally allowed to drink apply for a personal licence may not be such a bad idea.

If more youngsters were educated in the dangers of alcohol before they reached the legal purchasing age, it would help to demystify alcohol to some extent.

As PM Tony Blair once said (and later unfortunately reneged on): "Education, education, education is the key to creating a well-ordered, structured society".

This is certainly a motto that I've taken into my own approach to staff training.

And I've taught my children a thing or two about becoming responsible drinkers and equally responsible future adults.

Name and address supplied

Opus just gives us extra work

We're having trouble with Opus, too. (MA flooded with Opus complaints, 12 April 2007)

Recently we took on another pub and chose a suitable supplier who has since contacted Opus, supplier to the previous tenant.

Opus ignored and refused our requests to allow us to choose a supplier unless we sign a contract with them.

We have refused, because the form sent to us requires us to tick a box, and the copy that goes to Opus says we agree to a 36-month contract, although it does not say this on our copy.

Is this legal ?

Because we refuse to allow Opus to be our supplier, it sends us estimated bills on an out-of-contract tariff.

Our first bill, for £1,790 plus VAT, was for three months' supply, but for three of those weeks we were rewiring and had no electricity at all!

That bill's closing reading is higher than the opening reading from the time when we took on the pub.

We may have to close down our pub until Opus allows us the freedom to choose our own supplier.

Paul Downes

via email to MA forum

Futile wrangling about utilities

I cut my gas bill by nearly £1,000 a year, reducing the cost of day-time electricity from 9.66p to 5.33p/5.36p, and night-time rate to 3.2p.

Then I was informed that npower had allegedly written to me, saying that if I don't respond they'll automatically put me on a high-rate contract.

Does anyone have any advice on this?

Wayne Massey

The Crown

Hyde Lea, Stafford

Staying aware of the facts

In your article entitled "Drinkaware seeks new chief exec" (morningadvertiser.co.uk 27 March 2007), you say "Drinkaware is making a significant impact..."

Really? On whom?

It might have had more impact on binge-drinking, had it persuaded Gordon Brown to raise duties on spirits and alcopops, rather than on lower-strength beers and ciders.

No - sorry! That smacks of joined-up Government!

John Ellis

Crown Inn,

Oakengates, Shropshire

via email to MA forum