THE cost of issuing licences to drinkers, as suggested by Leo Enticknap (Letters, January 19), would be exorbitant and the system totally impossible to monitor. His alternative (a big increase in the price of alcoholic drinks) would punish everyone, including himself.

But, far from this being the only alternative, there is another option: seven days in jail for a first offender - no ifs or buts - with increasing periods for subsequent offences. This would not only save the licensing costs and higher drink prices but would remove offenders, leaving the streets safer and more peaceful for the rest of us.

Bill Tomlinson,

Westfield Grove,

Wigginton,

York.

Updated: 11:37 Wednesday, January 26, 2005