Sir,
Far fewer people are drinking down the pub these days. Some think it's a good thing that we're cutting down.
But the fact is, drinking still goes on, except it takes place at home by stocking up on cheaper supermarket booze.
Meanwhile, numbers of hostelries are closing, which is such a shame. Pubs are not just a place to have a drink, they are often the hub of the community, a vital lifeline for some to get out of the house and meet people.
Lots of charity events are also organised in pubs, for example the Old Chemist Inn in Saundersfoot, with Dai and Mandy in charge, do good work for Cancer Relief with the New Year's Day Swim now in its 25th year.
So, by all means pop down to your local every now and again to keep it going. But in return, the breweries have got to ease the pain for their tenants as well.
Then we can all happily raise a glass!
Bob Lowe,