Gang terror (From Barry And District News)

Gang terror

I write to outline part of the reason for the gang terror at the Bassett end of Holton Road. The letter writer states the gang wanders around with cans of lager at midday. If the traders are not selling the lager to them, then who is? Its unlikely to be pubs as their prices are high in comparison to off-licences and supermarkets. The reason is that during the past five years, breweries have substantially reduced prices to the 'off trade' and increased those of the 'on trade' (pubs/clubs). The price of lager in local supermarkets is now 40p a pint and one supermarket permits customers to purchase as much alcohol as they like and if they don't use it they can bring it back for a refund. To flood the market with cheap alcohol is a recipe for total mayhem. It's the local and national politicians that are to blame for this, in particular, as the new licensing laws to be introduced this year will permit the off trade to sell alcohol for 24 hours a day. However, not all pubs can be absolved from the problem as many are serving before and after permitted licensing hours. 10am to 10.30am opening on Sundays is common, as are 3.30am stop taps. It's the police who must accept responsibility for this as they are not enforcing licensing laws. You will also find, nationally, that many local authorities have by-laws that ban the drinking of alcohol in public places; again the blame rests with our local politicians. Name and address supplied