The debate about binge-drinking raises many questions (The Argus, March 8). I believe raising the duty on alcohol is unfair on the majority who enjoy a drink. I agree that the so-called supermarket value brands should be discouraged. But to simply increase the duty on all alcohol is another stealth tax.

The easy availability of alcohol is a problem. It now seems every corner shop is an off-licence. Alcohol should be sold from a secure counter.

This would protect staff by placing a barrier between themselves and aggressive customers.

One possibility to combat the problem would be to encourage a return to pub off-licences. Years ago these were the only licensed premises in villages and suburbs.

Sadly the reason many under- 18s try to access alcohol is simply to look big. As most of us will remember at school the same applied to smoking.

The argument that extended opening hours is to blame for binge-drinking is probably hollow. Few bars open for 24 hours. It simply gives landlords the option to open all day and for an hour or two extra at night when required.

  • Richard Szypulski, Lavender Street Brighton

The striking thing about photos taken in Hastings of binge-drinking teenagers is the number of women pictured too drunk to stand, their modesty in the hands of newspaper editors.

If the pictures in The Argus tell the true story, then whatever happened to Girl Power? I know that the women you've shown having a nap in the gutter and being arrested don't represent all women but, nonetheless, the message of the binge-drinking scenario is look what happens to women when they try to take on men at their own game. I think it might be time to acknowledge that binge-drinking is a feminist issue.

  • Adrian Durrant, Hampden Park, Eastbourne

Binge-drinking yet again blights our papers with the feature on Hastings.

If the Government is serious about this problem then one answer would be to raise the age of persons able to drink to 21, as in the US. This would solve most of the problem. It seems to be getting worse with every day that passes.

  • D Vincent, King's Esplanade Hove