Sir, - I agree with Ann O'Dwyer (April 25th) about disruption from pubs with the new closing times. I live in a quiet, residential suburb directly opposite a pub. I don't mind what the patrons do when they're inside: they can drink as much and as late as they like. It's the noise when they come out that affects me.
On a "good" night it's just fond and protracted farewells in the middle of the road and the cheery chirp of car alarms being switched off. On a bad night it's verbal or physical altercations, revving engines, hooting horns and banging car doors. Putting up with this at 11.30 p.m. is one thing. Having it start at 12.30 p.m., with drinking-up time added, is another. It would be nice to think that pub landlords will ensure their patrons tiptoe out in silence, but a bit unrealistic, I fear. - Yours, etc.,
Claire O'Kelly,
Blackrock, Cork.