JOE Curran's letter (Citizen, July 18) cannot go unchallenged. Mr Curran represents the town centre licensees.

The very same people have in recent years actively promoted drinks such as alcopops and their successors, the vodka-based mixers, all of which are 5% plus ABV.

Town centre licensees presumably control an area roughly bordered by Talbot Road, Dickson Road, Topping Street, Winter Gardens, Central Drive and Chapel Street to the Prom.

These same licensees have presided over the systematic reduction in choice of beer coupled with swingeing price increases well above inflation levels. Indeed, Blackpool beer prices approach London West End levels.

A recent tour of eight formerly "normal" pubs in this area on a Tuesday night in the holiday season found them virtually empty with abnormally loud music and prices of ordinary bitter all approaching £2 per pint.

The town centre licensees' policy has resulted in local drinkers boycotting this area and older holidaymakers drinking in their hotels.

The very same licensees complain about the drunken mobs late at night -- the very people whom they have supplied with strong drink.

Wetherspoons in contrast will cater for all. No music, no television, all day menus, tea, coffee and a full choice of all kinds of drinks at competitive prices -- what's wrong with that?

The case for Wetherspoons is overwhelming except to money-grabbing town centre licensees.

J A Hurley, North Drive, Thornton Cleveleys.