IN answering my father's letter, M Clarke claims that "anyone who has spent time in America will see that alcohol has a far less prominent role in their culture than in most European countries, including Britain".

I would like to ask you, Mr Clarke, where did you spend time in America? Was it, perhaps, the Nevada Desert or even the Florida Everglades?

I have lived in the USA for seven years and all the Americans that I know are equally as enthusiastic about alcohol as any European country.

The only difference is the American's choice in where they consume their alcoholic drinks.

The Americans have a much greater tendency to socialise and drink with friends at home rather than going to a local bar, although the numerous bars could hardly be described as "under-subscribed".

To believe that Prohibition has lessened the nation's desire to consume alcohol is as ignorant as believing that closing pubs at 11.00pm will prevent alcoholism. And my father would drink to that.

PHIL HINTON, Florida, USA.