I read with interest the proposal that the local branch of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association (LVA) should be reinvigorated.

This is an excellent vehicle for the good publicans and licence holders of this town to be able to impart their knowledge and skills to those who are, quite frankly, bad at it.

The good ensure that their customers leave the premises quietly, the bad think it is their right to allow noise at all hours of day and night.

The good ensure that litter is collected, the bad fly-post their advertisements across the town.

The good ensure that their customers moderate their consumption, while the bad let people drink to excess for a quick profit.

Parts of this town become at times a no-go area for many in our community where violence, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour abound.

It is time for the council and licensing authority to conduct an independent review of alcohol consumption and its licensing within the borough with a view to bringing it under control, reducing the ‘Wild West’ image, and returning the safety of the streets to the good people of this town.

The LVA can clearly help in this in ensuring that its members do not put profit above society, that they do not let the town’s image be tarnished, and that their customers do not become intoxicated to an extent that they become anti-social.

If not, maybe it is time to ensure that not only are the wrongdoers appropriately punished, but that if alcohol is shown to be a contributing factor that the supplier’s license is revoked or that they incur a harsh financial penalty.

NAME SUPPLIED, Weymouth