I AGREE with Jack Smith's comments on binge drinking (Letters, July 15). I once had a philosophical school-pal neighbour who was quick to question our lunchtime drink sessions in the swinging Sixties.

He later advised against early-evening sessions at the local, and 40 years on from those days I now have a barmaid friend who keeps me sober.

The previous barmaid at the same watering hole had sorted out all my energy bills when it seemed I was getting quarterly bills every month, and I was soon banking rebate cheques thanks to the her help.

So you could say it always pays dividends to call in at your local.

Allan Denney,

Catesby House,

Holgate Road, York.

Updated: 09:47 Tuesday, July 20, 2004