What ales you?

One likely and very positive consequence of the introduction of a minimum price on alcohol (your report, 17 March) is to prevent supermarkets selling alcohol at a loss; an irresponsible and indefensible practice.

This in turn will reduce the price gap between supermarket prices and pub prices which has increased massively over the past few years.

Some 70 per cent of all alcohol is now bought in supermarkets and consumed in the unregulated environment of the home, park or street. Minimum pricing to stamp out loss leaders will make pub prices more attractive and encourage more people to enjoy alcohol responsibly in a regulated and sociable community amenity – the pub.

Camra research shows that only 1 per cent of consumers relate real ale with problem drinking. Why is it then that your article is illustrated, as is all too often the case, with someone enjoying a glass of Britain's national drink?

Mightn't it be more appropriate to match the photo with the problem and show a spirit mixer or alcopop?

LINDSAY GRANT

Scottish director

Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale