BarTalk

Should the drinking age be raised to 21 for the off-trade?

Alan Dreja

Royal Oak

Southampton

Absolutely,

the underage drinking problem is not caused by pubs. Drunk, underage people are far more likely to

be seen in parks and on the street. It would certainly benefit our trade as well. I would not want to see it introduced to the on-trade, we're right opposite the halls of residence of Southampton University and it would kill our business because the majority of students are under 21.

Steve Haslam

Cutter Inn, Ely

Cambridgeshire

Yes. It would make life easier for everybody. It would make identifying people who should not be drinking much more straight forward. It would also send out a much clearer message about consuming alcohol responsibly - no more drinking on street corners or in the parks. It's something as important as the smoking ban and it's certainly something the Government should have a serious look at.

Nigel Anstead

White Horse

Bedford

I've seen the report and I'm in two minds. I think it might send a contradictory message - I don't see any problem with 18-year-olds drinking beer, cider and wine at home. It's also important to remember that 21s can be just as irresponsible as younger people. I think a ban on the sale of sprits to under 21s would be more appropriate, that's the problem drink for underage people because you can get it down you so fast.

Tricia Baldwin

Goat & Tricycle

Bournemouth

I don't think so, I can't see any reason for it. I think the supermarkets just need to be more careful about who they sell to. The pub trade has got a lot of flak for selling to underage people and, on the whole, pubs aren't responsible. The Government should introduce more test-purchasing schemes to the off-trade and take the pressure of pubs; I think that would help to solve the problem of underage drinking.