DAVID J Crawford (Letters, December 1) is correct in his view that alcohol availability is a key factor in alcohol abuse.
Under present legislation, retail sales of alcohol are made under permitted hours of 10 am to 10pm (previously it was 8am to 10pm).
My simple suggestion is to retain a 12-hour period, but make it from 8 am until 8pm. I'm certain that sales, and by extension, consumption, would fall, with no more inconvenience than at present.
In fact, many sensible drinkers would welcome a return to the opportunity of buying alcohol with their pre-10am shopping.
Bill Matthews,
9 Nant Drive,
Oban.
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