It had to happen, didn't it? But we were so busy fending off the fanatical smoking and bingeing lobbyists that no one noticed the drink-driving brigade was queuing up to have its own prejudiced pop at the pub trade.
Well now it has, and the Government - eager as ever to create its version of Continental café culture - is to review the drink-drive limits next year.
Ten years have elapsed since the last review, which eventually decided against falling in line with the rest of Europe and lowering our alcohol limits from 80mg/100ml of blood (broadly, two ordinarystrength pints of beer) to 50mg/100ml, perhaps one pint, more likely a half. Now the trade has to win the argument all over again. And although the argument in favour of 80mg is as strong as it was 10 years ago, we can surely take nothing for granted this time round.
The anti-pub sentiment is far stronger now than it was a decade ago, and there's a real danger that it will overwhelm reason and persuade Government to deliver yet another disastrous blow for the pub trade.
To rehearse the main arguments again, there is absolutely no evidence to prove that lowering the limit to 50mg would save a single life. There are just no stats on people below 80mg - and, therefore, "safe" - who have been involved in accidents.
However, there are plenty of facts about who has been caught drink driving - and it's reckless, mainly young drivers who have absolutely no regard for social norms. Over half the people convicted of drink driving have over twice the 80mg limit. These people are perfectly willing to break the law as it now stands, and they'll feel just the same if the limit comes down.
So much police time would be wasted if they have to start targeting people who have drunk just a bit more than one pint. Far better they should use their limited resources chasing real drinking criminals.
If the trade loses this battle, the consequences for suburban and rural pubs are immense, however much they target the food pound. Customers still have to get to the pub - and if they're too fearful of driving (why, they may worry they're still over the limit from last night's drink at home), then yet another barrier to going to the local is created.
Do get behind the Licensed Trade Charity's Christmas appeal. This year has seen a 10% rise in people needing help from the LTC. Next year will undoubtedly see more. They need every penny they can get. Please do whatever you can to help.