Bar Talk

Do you agree with Scottish plans to increase the age for buying alcohol in shops to 21?

John Ellis

Crown Inn

Oakengates

Shropshire

I think there's some merit to it, but the devil will be in the detail. It's what so many of us in the on-trade have been campaigning about, the checking of serve in the off-trade. I think it could curb underage sales — but I certainly don't think they should change the consumption age.

Claire Alexander

Ebrington Arms

Chipping Campden

Gloustershire

I don't think it's engaging with the real issue at all. The reason kids go to the supermarkets and corner shops is because of the

cut-price deals — mainly the two-for-one offers and heavily-discounted strong lager. This is what the Government, in Scotland and our side of the border, needs to be looking at.

Dave Parker

Shoulder of Mutton

Castleford

Yorkshire

I think it's a bit drastic. Kids need to be educated at home about drinking — that's the key to getting this situation under control. I would say that irresponsible selling at the supermarkets and corner shops leads to irresponsible drinking, if kids can get off their faces for a fiver they will.

Gail Brockbank

Levers Arms

Darcy Lever

Lancashire

Yes, it's a good idea. It would be of benefit to this area. There are a lot of problems with kids drinking on the streets and this would make things harder for them. It would certainly benefit my business — I suppose some people between 18 and 21 would come in rather than going to the supermarkets.