I oppose the decision of Brighton police and the recent letters in Opinion rejecting the extension of pub opening hours.

Those who believe extending the time available for enjoying the odd tipple causes trouble are themselves a couple of shandies short of a barrel. The violence caused on our streets attributed to alcohol is because it is only available during short periods.

Our nation drinks the most alcohol per head than any other and at the same time has the shortest opening hours. We rush to the nearest pub and drink as much as we can as fast as we can. Inevitably, those who cannot drink in a sociable manner end up causing trouble.

We are meant to be Europeans. Let's be allowed to act like Europeans and have no restrictions on licensing hours so we can relax while drinking and reduce the

violence it may cause.

-Michael Mackerel, Tangmere Road, Brighton