Dear Editor,

Do our local councillors and Herefordshire Council Licensing Committee really think it is such a good idea allowing a Ross nightclub to extend its closing hours from 2am to 3am? According to the applicant, this variation was requested to “compete with other similar venues in other towns”. Could someone enlighten me as to which ones these are?

Furthermore, what stance did our local councillors take in supporting or objecting to this variation? Has no one noticed that the “thin blue line” has become so thin during the day as to be non-existent?

However, at 2am onwards at the weekends, you will find plenty of police patrolling the streets, clearing up the inevitable mess that drink fuelled young people create.

It is laughable that the Licensing Act 2003 lists amongst aims and objectives: ‘recognising the important role which pubs and other licensed premises play in our local communities by minimising the regulatory burden on business, encouraging innovation and supporting responsible premises’.

So pleased to know that drinking vast quantities of cheap booze at 3am, with loud music ringing in your ears, is so enriching for those involved. Does anyone actually care?

Andrew Meek

Ross-on-Wye