CHRIS Wood and Wendy Shepherd should blame every shriek and wail on Certificate 18's customers alone ('Pub's late licence bid anger', May 18).

They must be aware they live in a city centre full of locals and students enjoying their lives, so why blame one pub?

To my knowledge, the police have never been called to deal with any form of noise pollution and, for a live music venue I would say that is impressive. From the start, the staff have always been resident-aware, and even had noise-reducing shutters installed.

Many people will welcome the proposed extension of drinking hours. Certificate 18 is trying to cater for shift-workers, night owls, and, more importantly, bar staff who can't get a drink after a hard night's graft.

There is no evidence that people will drink more, or the "problems" will simply "be put back to 2am" as stated by Coun Watson.

Originally from Scotland, I have experienced flexible drinking hours and can honestly say these fears are unfounded.

What it does mean is shift workers can enjoy a social life, and people will not feel the need to binge-drink because there will be plenty of time to enjoy the night instead of cramming in as much as possible in a short time.

I should have thought ambulances make more noise than anything along Gillygate, and at all hours.

Surely, this must annoy Chris Wood, and Wendy Shepherd too.

Perhaps they can ask Coun Watson to ensure hospital emergencies are confined to normal working hours?

Phil Gallagher,

Chesney Fields,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, May 24, 2005