BarTalk

What do you think of the pending review of the Licensing Act?

John Ellis

Crown Inn

Oakengates

Shropshire

I don't have a problem with it as long as it's based on real evidence rather than hearsay and media headlines. The major focus of any research should be on the off-trade - most petrol stations now sell alcohol, and supermarkets sell it as a loss leader. As long as the review is led by an independent, unbiased group not composed of health fascists or the police then we should be alright.

Dave Parker

Shoulder of Mutton

Castleford

West Yorksire

I think 24-hour licensing is the worst thing that's happened to this trade. My pub has been open the same hours for the last 30 years. Last Christmas one of my customers went to the supermarket in the middle of the night and bought 72 cans of beer for less than £20. Put us on a level playing field with the corner shops and the supermarkets and we'll soon see the traditional public house return to form.

Suzie Dreja

Royal Oak

Southampton

Hampshire

I would be very annoyed if they changed things now - they did enough research when they brought it in. Since it came in we've noticed that people drink a lot more sensibly because they don't have to rush. It would really damage our trade if we went back to traditional hours - we're a student pub open till midnight during the week and 1pm at the weekends.

Nigel Anstead

White Horse

Bedford

I wouldn't want to see any major changes; I think it's really benefited the average pub by giving them a bit more flexibility. I think the relaxed laws for the off-trade are quite damaging to pubs and have done a lot to increase irresponsible behaviour and binge drinking - people can now buy heavily-discounted alcohol pretty much whenever they want.