SIR,

I am writing with reference to your letter of 20th October 2008, concerning the proposed ban of the consumption of alcohol in all public areas within the designated area.

I wish to protest against this proposed ban, which I consider to be draconian, short-sighted and yet a further attack on our ever diminishing civil liberties.

While it is doubtless intended to curtail antisocial activities, and as such would seem a reasonable measure, a ban on outside drinking will clearly not prevent excessive drinking "inside" with the consequential potential for anti-social behaviour "outside". This is not addressing the root cause of the problem.

I would have expected the council to suggest more effective remedies rather than a knee-jerk unfocused ban. Furthermore, I resent the idea that were I to have a picnic inside the designated area it would be a criminal act for me to enjoy a glass of wine with the picnic. In the same vein, I would be horrified to find that I could not enjoy a drink outside a pub on a summer's evening.

Monmouth relies heavily on the tourist trade, which is currently under severe pressure with the decline in the economy. This proposed law can only be a further disincentive for visitors.

It is self evident that once such an edict is enforced it will never be revoked. Under the, inter alia, anti-terrorist legislation, the police already have immense powers to confront issues of this nature. I therefore suggest that the extant powers be used to deal with anti-social behaviour.

I should be grateful to know when this proposal is to be discussed or presented to the town councillors for their consideration. Such an important issue must clearly be discussed in public, with such representatives, before another curtailment to our civil liberties is mindlessly enacted.

Martin Press

(Monmouth)