IT'S a real sign of the times when the great selling point of a new beer on sale in local pubs is the fact that it is healthy.

Billed as the "serious premium beer with a low calorie content" it is claimed to be the perfect drink for people who want to sup with their mates but not pile on the pounds.

The makers of the 4.3 per cent ABV Bud Light say they have launched it in response to the rocketing UK health and fitness market among 18-34-year-olds during the last five years.

A heavyweight promotional campaign features women saying "I like men, I just hate their guts."

Whether the healthy approach to beer proves a hit in Bolton pubs remains to be seen. Do you welcome healthier beers or is taste all important. Maybe you jealously guard the right to have a beer gut and rest it on the bar?

Let me know your views at Cheers, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.