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SoupDragon, would you not consider the fact that much underage drinking is down to sales of alcohol to minors by off licences etc. A well run pub is a controlled environment with staff that have an interest in ensuring that alcoholic drinks are sold responsibly. While there are poorly run pubs the best are places where a sense of community can be built (or maintained), either with or without imbibing of alcoholic drinks.

The loss of social hubs in our society is something that is very damaging to the nation and while not everyone may like to use a pub they are a relevant and also traditional place for people to gather, meet and build contacts and social bonds. We are losing other such places, think of the loss of the truly independent local shops to the big 4 supermarkets and their smaller stores. We need sustainable communities, in the widest sense, and as such must identify and value those elements that bring people together and serve a social function.