I DON'T normally have many good words to say about City of York Council, however when praise is due it's only fair to mention it. I'm talking about the Bavarian food and beer stalls on Parliament Street for the last two weeks.

The food was authentic and of a very high standard and, of course, the beer was excellent. The atmosphere was very friendly and the long tables encouraged everyone to sit together and socialise while eating and drinking.

Although this sort of event is a standard occurrence in mainland Europe and has been for decades, thanks are due to the council for having the courage to allow alcohol to be sold on the streets during the day at such a popular event.

It's about time the British public were treated as responsible citizens and given the freedom to socialise in this way. From what I personally witnessed the Bavarian event was very popular and well attended with minimal or no trouble.

Please invite them again soon and maybe we could have an Octoberfest or a German Christmas market in December similar to the one in Lincoln - with real gluwein!

Don MacLennan,

Harden Close,

York.

Updated: 09:37 Monday, April 25, 2005