Madam, - The Minister for Justice was right to try to change the culture of drink in this country. He was also right to consult as many interested groups as possible for feedback on his proposals. However, one group he should have ignored is the representative body for publicans.
Listening to various spokespersons for the publicans opposing his café-bar proposals on the grounds that there are too many outlets for selling alcohol already and that it will lead to a worsening of alcohol-related crime is the equivalent of hearing the devil interpreting scripture. Publicans are a vested interest and are motivated by self-interest, not some noble ideal such as the public good. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN McMAHON, Elmwood, Naas, Co Kildare.
Madam, - The decision by many Fianna Fáil TDs to oppose the introduction of café-bars is a slap in the face for the citizens of this country. Fianna Fáil is always just one interest group away from a decision on any matter and this is no exception, with the vintners very firmly in charge of free rooms for cumann meetings.
Most pubs in Ireland have failed to capture the changing tastes of a significant portion of the population. Instead of blaming the smoking ban for their 10 per cent drop in sales' publicans they should examine what they offer the customer. It is still nearly impossible to order wine by the full bottle in an Irish pub, and customers are restricted to overpriced, single-serving bottles of sub-standard gloop which encourage over-consumption when drinking involves buying "rounds". Most filling stations have a better selection.
Also, the multitude of tasty imported bottled beers which grace our supermarket shelves are unavailable in most pubs. We are restricted to that tasteless, fizzy yellow "lager", usually the same-tasting stuff from just four or five taps offered by the two dominant brewers. If you changed the labels around most people couldn't tell the difference.
Pubs can also be intimidating places for non-drinkers or designated drivers who are restricted to an overpriced soft drink and a packet of peanuts or crisps. Non-drinkers should be offered the chance of an inexpensive night out with a light meal and a cup of coffee. Many drinkers too might welcome the prospect of a cappuccino rather than a cocktail.
Café-bars are a way of addressing the binge drinking that scars our towns and cities every weekend. The opportunity to eat and drink at the same time should not be confined to a licensed restaurant.
A visit to any continental European country shows how both pubs and café-bars can live profitably side by side.This issue is about choice for consumers but it is also about health, public order and social progress. It's time to stop feeding the A&E and AA with the products of our binge-drinking pub culture. Fianna Fáil should stop fumbling in the greasy till of the vintners' lobby and give people a choice. - Yours, etc,
CORMAC BOHAN, Ashfield, Drogheda, CoL Louth.
Madam, - Fianna Fáil , the Publican Party. - Yours, etc,
FRANK BUTLER, Villa Park Road, Dublin 7.