SIR - I believe that on the Continent all-day drinking was brought in gradually over a number of years.

The people who run our country have brought in all-day drinking in a short space of time. It doesn't need an Einstein's brain to realise the young people would take advantage and get stoned, become unruly, and start thieving and causing trouble for others.

We had no such problems in our youth because we could not afford to drink and also the pubs closed at 10pm. And as for banning smoking in public places - I haven't smoked in 18 years but still say it's ridiculous!

Peter Alcock, Upton Snodsbury.