Madam, - I am sorry to read that this incompetent Government is yet again going to shoot itself in the foot whilst using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Sorry for the awful metaphors but I feel they are appropriate. As a former publican, I appreciate the difficulties that publicans operate under.
I must, however, point out the following: here they have consistently opposed the extension of licences. As a result establishing new premises has been prohibitive, the trade-off legislation meant that only huge bars could be built at great expense ensuring existing landlords huge profits and requiring massive consumption to ensure a return. These places are, of course, notoriously difficult to police, whether for drugs or alcohol abuse.
Bars or nightclubs with 300 to 400 customers or more frequently require an army of doormen, security guards, etc. - not pleasant or comfortable places to be especially when everyone is ejected simultaneously onto the street in pursuit of a taxi or the chipper.
Likewise publicans are required not to serve an intoxicated person, but often do, fearful that the person will be successful in the pub next door.
This is only part of the story. We appear to be becoming an East European state before the wall came down with bureaucracy gone mad, I.D. cards fingerprints, age restrictions, hours restrictions.
Two major things have occurred: our population has grown by nearly 1 million in the past decade; and our country has been marketed as a family-friendly place for tourism.
The measures proposed are not the solution. How do we deal with overseas visitors. Put more gardaí on the street, where they belong - not skulking around in plain clothes round every pub whilst mayhem is on the streets. Alcohol Education in our schools and our homes would help to encourage a sensible drinking attitude.
Finally let us remember that even at the height of the Troubles such repressive measures were not required. - Yours, etc.,
KEITH CARGILL, Drinagh, Ennistymon, Co Clare.