WITH all the media comment about raising the price of alcohol in supermarkets to try and deter those who abuse it, how about this for a solution?

Raise the price in the retail outlets but reduce them in our local pubs accordingly, encouraging people to start drinking in pubs again rather than at home, thereby revitalising the good old-fashioned social network.

Pubs are closing all over the country due to alcohol prices soaring, and those publicans who have done everything they can to take measures to provide areas for smokers since the ban, are not getting the support they deserve. It is by far cheaper to open a bottle of supermarket wine or beer at home alone, which is as sad as it sounds on a lot of occasions, particularly for those older chaps who used to mosey on down to the local for a pint and some company just before last orders. Those who might be deterred by raising the price in outlets could enjoy a pint at their local; who knows, maybe they would discover the social side to alcohol. Publicans would resume the trade they need, and people would venture out to mix with others again.

Angela Brader, Wetwang.