IN RESPONSE to The Press campaign about public houses closing and being replaced by convenience stores, I wish to air my views as a publican.

There are a few reasons why public houses are struggling to make the business pay. In 1988, the law was passed that a public house could open all day on weekdays and in 1995 this was passed so that they could open all day on Sunday.

This started a culture change.

All those born around that time who can now legally visit a public house never encountered the 11am to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm drinking hours.

Between these hours, a pub was always a hub of social activity. All-day hours destroyed a social culture.

The smoking ban didn’t help, but not to a great extent; then the recession hit in 2008.

The supermarkets selling loss-leading alcohol put another nail in the proverbial coffin.

This is why pubs are being sold off to supermarket chains and everyone is up in arms about loosing theirthere local.

These people should support the local instead of only voicing an opinion when it could be sold off.

It’s a great shame but I’m afraid it’s too late and for all the campaigners, who virtually never visit a pub.

Good luck to all the pubs that keep going; I will endeavour to give my support.

Paul Stephenson, The Winning Post, Bishopthorpe Road, York.