MR Stuart A Chapman, of Harwood, stated that Alan Calvert is indeed an expert on pubs (November 13).

However, you do not have to be an expert to understand the position and why it is so.

I can enter my local supermarkets, Tesco, ASDA or Morrisons, and purchase lager for an average price of about 85p per bottle. That same bottle — brand, size, volume and strength in my local pub is £2.70.

That is the problem with greedy breweries, high fuel costs, and the introduction of the non-smoking legislation, which to myself, a non smoker, are beyond sanity.

If the trend continues, the local pub, once a sanctuary for the community, will cease to exist. Establishments in town and city centres and holiday resorts with a good passing trade will be the only options for the quaffing of ale.

There is a theory that supermarkets should increase their prices to be in line with the pubs, to prevent binge drinking and the behaviour that goes with it. This theory is rubbish.

The supermarket prices are right. The problem is not the amount of alcohol you drink, it is the reason you drink it.

Is it for the responsible intentions of quenching thirst or enjoying a friendly social occasion, or the irresponsible intention to defy authority and use alcohol as the blame for anti-social behaviour?

I do not visit my local pub as much as I used to or as much as I would like.

I have developed a serious drink problem — I cannot afford it.

Mr A Harrison Manchester Road West Little Hulton