WITH regards to your report on a "pizza patrol" for York (October 24), it seems as if all late-night violence, noise and so forth has been created by takeaway outlets.

But City of York Council forgets that if it didn't let bars stay open so late, this would not happen.

Some bars are open as late as 3am. I wonder how these bars get a licence?

What about big takeaway chains such as McDonalds? They have litter outside their shops but the council won't do anything. Is this because they are big companies?

One of the Government's biggest mistakes has been to allow pubs and bars to serve late, something we will all come to regret in a very short time. Children under 16 are already drinking on street corners. Drinking is one of the biggest problems facing us and it will only get worse.

Chris Coxall,

Water Lane,

York.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, October 27, 2005