I'm sceptical about the argument that unrestricted pub opening would reduce drunkenness (Opinion, July 13). Where is the evidence?

The Government maintains that our current 11pm closing encourages excessive alcoholic intake and points to continental countries, with their unrestricted hours and lack of comparable trouble.

The fact is the British have different drinking habits and get intoxicated in a different way from the rest of Europe.

In Britain drinking is a macho activity and it leads to noise, violence, aggression, vandalism and accidents. The British drunk wants to punch someone or smash windows; the French or Italian drunk is more likely to embrace someone or sing.

Unrestricted pub opening will not alter the British drunk's need for excessive drinking leading to rowdy behaviour. It will only spread it around the clock.

-Graham Chainey, Marine Parade, Brighton