Madam, - Maurice O'Scanaill's letter of June 16th is a misinformed rant. He talks about welcoming café-bars as a place to drink only and skip the food. I don't think this ties in with Mr McDowell's "pizza and a beer" mantra.
His comments are an affront to those of us who work long hours in this trade within the standards of the law and ethics, providing good service, product and entertainment to the public.
I employ a large number of full-time and part-time staff, not to mention supporting countless suppliers, local government and the tax man. I have a modest lifestyle. I charge fair prices.
I invite Mr O'Scanaill to spend a week with me running our pub so that he may temper his tirade. I for one would have no fear of deregulation of the licensed trade as I believe our product and management is strong enough to withstand competition.
I suggest that in future such letter-writers should be required to state their own profession or trade so that we all may decide whether they know what they are talking about. - Yours, etc,
DONAL CAWLEY, Director, Taylor's Three Rock Bar, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.