Drinkers' anger; On the web.

IT'S a national institution isn't it.

A quiet pint in a pub - reading the paper or watching the racing while the world goes by.

But Government plans to change the way we drink (again) have attracted the ire of posters on www.examiner.co.uk's forums.

Idlejohn wrote: "Pub happy hours should be banned and supermarkets stopped from selling alcohol at a loss in order to combat drink-fuelled disorder, MPs have said.

"But didn't this very same government bring in 24 hour drinking in the first place despite being advised that this would lead to public disorder problems.

"Perhaps these same MPs would like to set a good example to the rest of the country and call for the closure of the subsidised bars in the Commons?"

Despondent wanted to know if shock tactics were in the system: "Are we due to see alcohol being classified as a potential killer like cigarettes, pictures of damages livers plastered on cans and bottles of beer?"

Waspish has come up with a plan: "Why don't they just raise the age limit to 25 for buying alcohol, and have a serious crackdown on corner shops who will sell alcohol to anyone as a lot of 'em do?"

The power of the internet prevailed and a bloke called Redback, now settled in Sydney, Australia, gave the Down Under answer to problems up here: "Alcohol is just too readily available now, here in Sydney, clubs and pubs are open nearly 24 hours a day"The scene has been getting worse with drunks creating havoc at closing times particularly in the inner city, mainly young travellers and local young men.

"At long last however, the State Government have given the police the power to get on top of the situation; such as lock outs at the venues after 12 am (they can't get back in) and removal of glasses (they have to drink from plastic cups). This helps to remove the chances of glassing attacks."

So what do YOU think? Join the debate on our Forums at ...

www.examiner.co.uk