I REFER to the letter you published last week from Dr Kim Howells, the Minister responsible for the Licensing Bill that is currently before the House of Lords.

The letter explains another attempt to alter and defend one of the many weaknesses of the Bill.

The truth of the matter is that if approved this Bill will make matters worse for the public with regard to our living and social conditions that can be affected by the sale of alcohol.

Problems we shall experience are:

This Bill deregulates the licensing hours, ie very late opening hours, or even 24 hour opening, can be permitted.

At the moment, most towns in the land are no-go areas for many late at night.

This Bill will increase the number of pubs and clubs with extended licensed hours, as pubs will not be required to open during the day, but will cherry-pick the late night/early morning more profitable trading hours.

What evidence is there to trust local authorities (local councillors) more than the courts, as the responsibility for the licensing of alcohol will be transferred to them.

Only if premises pay a costly music licence will live musicians be permitted to put their skills on view.

What encouragement does this give to learn and play music?

The potential closing of pubs in the day will kill the British pub.

They will go the legislative route of the small post office and the buses.

We will have mayhem late at night and eventually only electronic music.

This is an ill thought out Bill and the public are well advised to object to it.

Mr L Ecle Beaconsfield Romilly Park Road Barry