Views about pubs and nightclubs are evenly split among the general public - they're either good or bad. It was no more so evident than just before Christmas, when there was talk of extending opening hours into the early hours of the morning.

Unfortunately, and there's no getting away from it, excess alcohol brings out the worst in many people, and violence often rears its ugly head.

Following a vicious incident outside a Hounslow pub last week, the calls will get even louder from anti-pub protesters, to not even entertain the idea of granting pubs late-licences.

The story, which appeared in our sister paper, The Hounslow, Feltham and Hanworth Times, read: Muggers beat a man to the floor outside a Hounslow pub, before smashing his teeth out and grabbing his mobile phone and wallet.

The 29-year-old Asian man had been walking by the rear of the Bear Pub, in Kingsley Road, on his way home from a friend's house, on Sunday, January 19, at around 2.30am, when he was jumped on by two men, who punched and kicked him to the floor, before robbing him of his wallet and mobile phone, leaving him semi-conscious' in the street.

A passer-by notified the police, but the men absconded before they arrived.

The first suspect was described as white, 6ft tall, and around 22-years-old.

He had short black hair, stubble, and was wearing a black cotton jacket, with black trousers and white trainers.

There is currently no description of the other suspect, who had been positioned behind the victim during the nasty attack.

Information to PC Taylor, of the Burglary squad, on 020 8247 6160.'

It's obvious enough to me, and to many others, I suspect, that this attack had nothing whatsoever to do with the pub, as the victim was just passing on his way home.

However, many reading the story will jump to conclusions and make comments like: Well, that's pubs for you. You should stay well away from them. They're nothing but trouble.'

I've heard them all before, and I'll hear them again.

These people should take a step back and think of some of the positive aspects of pubs.

What about all the fundraising they do for needy causes?

And who can argue against the fact that many pubs are a pivotal point for community spirit?

It's my opinion that the above two facts will go a long way to stop the late-licence debate being dismissed completely out of hand by the powers that be.

You don't agree? Why? I want to know.

Contact me and share your views.

January 31, 2003 11:00