DOCTOR Samuel Johnson said that of all man’s inventions, a tavern was the most conducive to happiness.

Southampton Council clearly disagrees, urging its populace not to drink alcohol for the whole of January.

I can well understand the anger of pub landlords, when this is their trade’s hardest month (article, January 8).

There is something very ‘nanny state’ about the quote from an un-named ‘city council spokesperson’, who piously declares that “we have a duty of care to our residents”.

Said residents are adults, capable of thinking for themselves.

Let’s raise a glass to Dr Johnson.

Colin Hingston

Southampton